theguardian.com
Talese's "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold" and the Legacy of New Journalism
Gay Talese's new collection, "A Town Without Time," features his celebrated 1966 article, "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold," which revolutionized journalism with its intimate first-person narrative and unprecedented access, influencing writers like Tom Wolfe and shaping contemporary styles.
- How did Talese's access to Sinatra and the Mafia shape his writing and contribute to the development of New Journalism?
- Talese's "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold" is significant for its innovative first-person narrative and unprecedented access to Sinatra's inner circle. This style, later adopted by other prominent writers, revolutionized journalism, influencing the modern trend of personal and confessional writing. His work also highlighted the cultural impact of celebrities and their intricate relationships with their environments.
- What is the lasting impact of Gay Talese's "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold" on journalism and how has it influenced contemporary writing styles?
- Gay Talese, a veteran journalist, is celebrated for his 1966 article "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold," considered by some as the greatest literary nonfiction story of the 20th century. This piece, included in his new collection "A Town Without Time," offers an intimate look into Sinatra's life and entourage, showcasing Talese's unique access and narrative style. The article's impact extends to the invention of New Journalism.
- What aspects of Talese's work in "A Town Without Time" offer a critical perspective on contemporary journalism and the role of investigative reporting?
- Talese's work foreshadowed today's focus on celebrity culture and the blurred lines between public and private life. His intimate portrayal of Sinatra not only changed journalistic approaches but also reflected a growing fascination with the lives of public figures. His detailed accounts of the Mafia in another piece demonstrate investigative power that continues to influence journalism.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Gay Talese and his work extremely positively, presenting him as a near-mythical figure. The headline and opening paragraphs immediately establish this positive framing, highlighting his potential place in a journalism pantheon. The article selectively chooses details to support this positive portrayal, focusing on his access and unique style while omitting potential counterpoints.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and admiring, particularly when describing Talese and his work. Words and phrases such as "classic piece of reportage," "greatest literary nonfiction story," and "grippingly good" convey strong positive connotations and contribute to the overall celebratory tone. More neutral language could have provided a more balanced assessment. The use of terms like "goombahs" when describing the Mafia could be considered problematic and biased language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Gay Talese and his work, potentially omitting other significant contributors to New Journalism or similar styles of reporting. There is no mention of the potential challenges or ethical considerations of the close access Talese had to his subjects. The piece celebrates a specific style of journalism without acknowledging criticisms or limitations of that approach. While acknowledging space constraints, the absence of diverse voices and perspectives weakens the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article sets up a false dichotomy between "New Journalism" and "No Journalism," oversimplifying the current state of journalism. It doesn't acknowledge the diversity of journalistic styles and practices that exist beyond these two extremes.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias in its analysis of journalism, although the focus is predominantly on male journalists. However, the description of Sinatra's entourage mentions a "toupee-wrangler," using gendered language that could be considered subtly biased. More female voices could enrich the discussion of New Journalism and its legacy.
Sustainable Development Goals
Talese's work, particularly "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold," offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy celebrity, contrasting it with the lives of ordinary people. This implicitly highlights the existing inequalities in society, prompting reflection on wealth disparity and social stratification. His detailed descriptions of Sinatra's entourage, including a valet, haberdasher, and toupee-wrangler, juxtapose with the experiences of those less privileged, raising awareness about economic disparities. The inclusion of stories about the Mafia also indirectly touches upon the theme of inequality, showcasing how power imbalances and criminal activities affect various socioeconomic groups.