After four straight wins, Stevenson football is back at home this Saturday at noon for the homecoming game against Misericordia University.
The Mustangs have dominated over the last few weeks, only allowing 13 points to be scored against them in their last three outings.

On the offensive side of SU’s game, Louis Clouser (32) has been a new dominating force. With 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns during last week’s game against Alvernia University, the junior running back is someone all fans should be looking out for. Junior RB Maurice Hammond (21) has been another key rushing player for the Mustangs, also scoring two touchdowns last game and rushing for 65 yards. Nyaire Wilson (9) continues to be the backbone for Stevenson’s offense, playing a well-rounded overall game. Against Alvernia, the junior quarterback contributed one touchdown, 115 passing yards, and 15 rushing yards.

The Stevenson defense has shown their grit over the past few games, evident by such low points scored against them in the recent stretch of games. Among the top contributors were multiple juniors. Daniel Johnson (54) has been a force to be reckoned with, contributing seven total tackles and two sacks against Alvernia. Gavin Shields (34) and Anthony Lembo (22) contributed six total tackles each during their last game, with Shields also adding 1.5 sacks. The junior-heavy defense looks to hold Misericordia to another low scoring game.
Misericordia is 2-4 (2-3 MAC) coming into the homecoming game while the Mustangs sit at 5-1 (4-1 MAC). Tune in at noon this Saturday to see SU battle to extend their four-game winning streak to five and be sure to keep an eye out for the consistently impressive offensive and defensive leaders.
America is Comically Cyclical
Since 2020, America can be characterized by daily mass shootings, widespread distrust in “the media,” and a turbulent government highlighted by a seemingly endless battle between a bullheaded businessman with no political background and a confused, tired shell of an alternative.
Long removed are we from the patriotic days of inspiring heroes like John F. Kennedy fighting for our rights under constant constructive scrutiny from the journalistic greats of Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, and the once “most trusted man in America,” Walter Cronkite. We no longer engage in a civil political discourse, but rather all-out war with the other side amid constant echoes of “the problems with the media.”
Although in recent years we’ve witnessed unprecedented crises, this is not the first time parties are drastically opposed, people are looking to act out or place blame, distrust in the media spreads due to wrong or lacking information, and the common person becomes suddenly caught up in the constant stream of noise and empty promises from whomever they decide is the lesser evil.
In 2012, on the heels of masterpieces like “The Social Network” and “The West Wing,” award-winning writer Aaron Sorkin created a show about a hypothetical broadcast news network that avoided the bias and fluff typically present in news to deliver nothing but facts and good journalism to the country.
“The Newsroom” features a popular and well-liked anchor Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) as he works under senior producer, and ex-girlfriend, MacKenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer) to get the people the good information they deserve with their team of dedicated, yet sometimes clumsy, reporters.
Although released in 2012, the show takes place beginning in 2010 and attempts to depict how real historical events could have been covered such as the killing of Osama Bin-Laden, the rise of the tea party, or the 2012 presidential race between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.
At the start of the first episode, McAvoy is a member of a panel and is asked “can you say why America is the greatest country in the world.”
[video credit="" align="center"] [/video]
After a few quips, McAvoy responds that “it’s not the greatest country in the world professor.”
McAvoy alludes to the plethora of statistical evidence describing all the areas that this “great” country is lacking in what New York Times reporter Alessandra Stanley mocked as a “profane, eloquent, Sorkinesque rant against pat jingoism and willful ignorance.”
Although Stanley may have thought the show to be overwritten and sometimes containing corny dialogue, it is unavoidable that the “jingoism,” or aggressive patriotism, that McAvoy protests has been a recurring problematic theme time and again throughout American history
McAvoy also made a point of how we used to fight for a different set of values.
Unfortunately, we’ve diverged from such a moral code and all sides of the political spectrum seem more prideful and vehemently opinionated as ever. We’ve all been able to bear witness to the dangerous results of mixing loaded language with devout supporters who feel unmoving in their version of truth.
As mentioned, a major storyline in the first season is McAvoy’s rigorous coverage of the populist tea party movement where he scrutinizes congressman after congressman with the important questions because he finds it necessary for people to have access to the most crucial information. He does not want a party in power built on brash policies and overly conservative decision making that could have potentially harmful implications for the American people.
McAvoy finds such a problem with a party diverging from their traditional values and losing focus of the right goals that on air he said, “the most conservative republicans today aren’t republicans,” and goes on to criticize their use of dangerous rhetoric, eventually describing the movement in terms of their inciteful language as “the American Taliban.”
I didn’t watch “The Newsroom” as it aired in 2012, I watched it in 2022. Somehow, watching hypothetical coverage of a political era I was too young to understand felt perfectly relatable.
Though the never-ending conveyer belt of growing pride and lack of trust seems inevitable, the first step in reversing it means rationally obtaining the necessary information to make a decision not to buy in. Anyone can say they don’t trust the overarching media or don’t care for politics, but without intentional intervention, the belt rolls on.
At one point McHale states her reasoning for producing their broadcast specifically.
“The key to democracy is a well-informed electorate,” McHale said. “When there is no information, or much worse, wrong information, it can lead to calamitous decisions that clobber any attempts at vigorous debate.”
America is in need of self-reflection
At a time when cultural awareness, progressive movements, political turmoil, and social media trends have defined the last decade of this country, it seems like Americans are more focused on staying in touch with everything about the country, but have lost touch with the self.
Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” originally released in 1988, can transcribe an issue with the modern state of America, the message of the song having lasting relevancy. This issue of a lack of touch with oneself has plagued this country for many decades, and the problem has only gotten worse in the digital age where people can be distracted by others’ “more interesting” lives.
A similar behavior was discussed in the texts for one of the courses I am taking this semester. The TLDR of the discussion was that modern Americans cannot stand to be alone with their own thoughts. Today, we are so used to having something to take our mind off of ourselves, that we very rarely take the time to tune in to oneself and our own lives and problems.
The song urges people to start change with themselves, “look in the mirror” before they attempt to tackle the problems around them. oSiedah Garrett, a co-writer for the song, told Americansongwriter.com: “To make a difference on the outside, you have to first start from within. So I think that Michael just got it. He got the meaning of the song right away.”
Yet, somehow, we are still the same ones who have this immense concern over what is going on all around us. The year 2020 felt like a huge turning point for the country as well as the world as there was so much going on at the time, from Covid, to the rise of TikTok, to the presidential election, and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement among George Floyd’s death.
But during all this time when people were supposed to be quarantined and socially distant, a time when people should have been able to have deep self-reflection, these struggling times seemed to have the opposite effect.
For instance, in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the Black Lives Matter movement saw a strong rally on social media and in the real world. On June 2, 2020, millions of people across Instagram posted a blank black image on their page to show their support for the cause. There were endless Black Lives Matter protest that summer across the country.
The question is: “How many people really focused on their own individual contribution to the issue?”
The entire movement became more of a trend than something that people truly dedicating themselves to inspire change. And as that trend died down, so did the support for the movement, and there has still yet to be legislative action taken to fix the issue at hand.
This is just one example of how people in this country tie themselves to trends and movements, and lose focus on individual improvement, self-reflection, and self-accountability. As Michael Jackson sings in “Man in the Mirror”, “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change”.”
America is beauty
In a world that often seems obsessed with the idea of physical perfection, J. Cole's song 'Crooked Smile' stands as a unique and powerful anthem that challenges these norms and celebrates imperfections. The song provides a lens through which we can examine the concept of American beauty, showing that it's not defined by flawless appearances, but rather by the authenticity and resilience that come with embracing one's imperfections.
"Crooked Smile" dives into the societal pressures placed on women to fit into traditional beauty standards. J. Cole's lyrics are a moving reminder of the constant expectations that women face, as he raps, 'I keep my twisted grill, just to show them kids it's real. We ain't picture perfect, but we worth the picture still.'
In these lines, he acknowledges that perfection is an illusion and encourages women to break free from these beauty norms. American beauty, as seen in this song, is about the strength to defy societal expectations and embrace one's true self.
"Crooked Smile" promotes self-love and acceptance. It's a reminder that true beauty comes from within and that loving oneself, flaws and all, is the ultimate expression of confidence. J. Cole sings, 'Love yourself, girl, or nobody will.' These words resonate with the American ideal of individualism and self-empowerment.
In the land of opportunity, where individual freedoms and self-expression are celebrated, self-love becomes an important part of American beauty. The song's message of self-love and acceptance don’t just stop there, it extends to issues of social justice. J. Cole uses his platform to address systemic racism and police brutality, drawing attention to the injustices that are in American society.
He says, 'And I'ma get a message out, while I got the chance to. ‘Hey officer man, we don't want nobody getting killed. Just open up that cell, let my brother out of jail'. These lines show that American beauty is not just skin deep; it's also about fighting for justice, equality, and a better future for all. In the essence of American beauty, "Crooked Smile" pushes a narrative that goes beyond skin-deep appearances.
It reminds us that true beauty is authenticity, and it is capable of challenging societal norms. American beauty isn't about conforming to an idealized image; it's about embracing our crooked smiles and imperfections. It's about self-love, self-acceptance, and the resilience to stand against injustice.
Through this song, J. Cole paints a portrait of American beauty that is both real and inspirational. Cole's "Crooked Smile" isn't just a song; it's a reflection of the American spirit. It embodies the idea that beauty isn't about adhering to impossible standards; it's about celebrating what makes us unique and authentic.
It's a reminder that embracing our imperfections and loving ourselves is a powerful act of self-expression and empowerment. In a nation that values individualism and self-determination, this song speaks to the heart of American beauty.
As we listen to the words of "Crooked Smile," we are reminded that true beauty is not defined by flawless faces but by the courage to be ourselves. It's a call to embrace our unique qualities, to love ourselves, and to stand up for justice. In this way, "Crooked Smile" becomes a testament to the diversity of American beauty, where every imperfection adds to the richness of the story.
J.Cole's message echoes across the nation, reminding us that our crooked smiles are not a sign of weakness but a symbol of strength. This song is more than just a melody; it's a mirror reflecting the essence of American beauty. It tells us that we are beautiful in our imperfections, that we are strong when we love ourselves, and that we have the power to change the world when we stand up for justice.
In every note and every lyric, "Crooked Smile" reaffirms the idea that America's beauty lies in its diversity, its resilience, and its commitment to self-expression. It's a reminder that we are all part of the beautiful fabric that is America, and our crooked smiles are what make us unique, strong, and undeniably beautiful.
America is sexist
America is perception
America, the land of opportunity and freedom, or so they say.
If you peel back the layers, you'll find a nation where perception is the key to shaping its reality in ways you might not even realize are possible. I realized this when listening to coverage of a debate and swearing that the two different channels I had watched were covering two different events. This is where the phrase "America is A Perception" comes to the forefront, and it's a concept that is rooted deeply in the realm of government scandals. In this era of information overload and spinning, perception often becomes as important as the truth itself. One of the most striking examples of this intersection of perception and reality is the Watergate scandal which was carefully depicted in the film "All the President's Men."
In the edges of American history, Watergate stands as a stark reminder that perception can eclipse facts. Everything began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, a plot hatched by individuals within President Richard Nixon's administration. The 1970s, a time before smartphones and social media played a role in the success of this break-in. Back then, the ability to manipulate and control narratives was less complex, and as we know now, this contributed to the unfolding of this scandal.
But the true significance of Watergate went far beyond the initial break-in. What truly defined this scandal was how the perception of it evolved. As more information and leaks came to light, the trust of the American public in their government plummeted. Watergate was an eye-opener that revealed how perception could shape the destiny of a nation. The main way to view this is public approval ratings of Nixon between 1969-1974. On Jan. 28, 1969, Nixon had an approval rating of 60% and a disapproval rating of 5%. On Aug. 5, 1974, Nixon had an approval rating of 24% and a disapproval rating of 66%. One of the biggest falls in presidential history ratings wise.
"All the President's Men," directed by Alan J. Pakula, portrays the investigative journey undertaken by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, two hardworking journalists from The Washington Post. The film is a deep exploration of the power of perception through their eyes, showing us how the perception of a scandal and an unwavering hunt for the truth can rewrite the course of a nation.
There's a pivotal scene where Woodward meets the elusive informant, Deep Throat, in a dimly lit parking garage.
[video credit="Movieclips - YouTube" align="center"] [/video]
In a world where we often view things through a financial lens, Deep Throat's advice to "Follow the Money" seems like common sense today. However, back in those days, the financial aspect of investigations was less prominent. This simple yet powerful advice led Woodward and Bernstein to uncover crucial information within the Watergate scandal. This signifies how the perception of political scandals has evolved, with today's discussions often beginning with money and financial implications.
The power of "All the President's Men" isn't just in its retelling of the Watergate scandal, it lies in its reflection on the impact of perception. Before Woodward and Bernstein uncovered the scandal, Richard Nixon was seen as one of the most accomplished presidents in American history. He had navigated the Vietnam War, negotiated a groundbreaking arms treaty with the Soviet Union, and boosted diplomatic ties worldwide. Achieving all this in a single presidential term was nothing short of astonishing.
However, once the scandal unraveled the perception of Nixon dramatically flipped. Concrete evidence from those infamous tapes showed him for what he was: a liar. While it's no secret that politicians often bend the truth, hearing the President himself admit to criminal activities was a game changer. It swiftly altered the public's perception and trust in the government. It's a moment where the balance of perception and trust forever shifted in the public's eyes.
Watergate isn't the only government scandal illustrating the notion that "America is A Perception." The Teapot Dome scandal of the 1920s and the Iran-Contra affair in the 1980s are additional instances where public perception played a crucial role in shaping the outcome. These scandals, alongside Watergate, spotlight the lack of trust and the ever-changing nature of perception in American governance.
In conclusion, the phrase "America is A Perception" summarizes a fundamental truth about the United States. The nation's history is scarred with government scandals that support the idea that public perception can influence political destinies as much as the facts themselves. "All the President's Men" captures this concept through its lens on the Watergate scandal and the media's power in shaping perception. It's a lesson that in a democracy, what the public perceives holds as much weight as the concrete facts. The perception of the American government is a force that can change the course of the nation. So remember, in the upcoming season of American politics, perception often steals the vote.
Since 2020, America can be characterized by daily mass shootings, widespread distrust in “the media,” and a turbulent government highlighted by a seemingly endless battle between a bullheaded businessman with no political background and a confused, tired shell of an alternative.
Long removed are we from the patriotic days of inspiring heroes like John F. Kennedy fighting for our rights under constant constructive scrutiny from the journalistic greats of Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, and the once “most trusted man in America,” Walter Cronkite. We no longer engage in a civil political discourse, but rather all-out war with the other side amid constant echoes of “the problems with the media.”
Although in recent years we’ve witnessed unprecedented crises, this is not the first time parties are drastically opposed, people are looking to act out or place blame, distrust in the media spreads due to wrong or lacking information, and the common person becomes suddenly caught up in the constant stream of noise and empty promises from whomever they decide is the lesser evil.
In 2012, on the heels of masterpieces like “The Social Network” and “The West Wing,” award-winning writer Aaron Sorkin created a show about a hypothetical broadcast news network that avoided the bias and fluff typically present in news to deliver nothing but facts and good journalism to the country.
“The Newsroom” features a popular and well-liked anchor Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) as he works under senior producer, and ex-girlfriend, MacKenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer) to get the people the good information they deserve with their team of dedicated, yet sometimes clumsy, reporters.
Although released in 2012, the show takes place beginning in 2010 and attempts to depict how real historical events could have been covered such as the killing of Osama Bin-Laden, the rise of the tea party, or the 2012 presidential race between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.
At the start of the first episode, McAvoy is a member of a panel and is asked “can you say why America is the greatest country in the world.”
[video credit="" align="center"] [/video]
After a few quips, McAvoy responds that “it’s not the greatest country in the world professor.”
McAvoy alludes to the plethora of statistical evidence describing all the areas that this “great” country is lacking in what New York Times reporter Alessandra Stanley mocked as a “profane, eloquent, Sorkinesque rant against pat jingoism and willful ignorance.”
Although Stanley may have thought the show to be overwritten and sometimes containing corny dialogue, it is unavoidable that the “jingoism,” or aggressive patriotism, that McAvoy protests has been a recurring problematic theme time and again throughout American history
McAvoy also made a point of how we used to fight for a different set of values.
Unfortunately, we’ve diverged from such a moral code and all sides of the political spectrum seem more prideful and vehemently opinionated as ever. We’ve all been able to bear witness to the dangerous results of mixing loaded language with devout supporters who feel unmoving in their version of truth.
As mentioned, a major storyline in the first season is McAvoy’s rigorous coverage of the populist tea party movement where he scrutinizes congressman after congressman with the important questions because he finds it necessary for people to have access to the most crucial information. He does not want a party in power built on brash policies and overly conservative decision making that could have potentially harmful implications for the American people.
McAvoy finds such a problem with a party diverging from their traditional values and losing focus of the right goals that on air he said, “the most conservative republicans today aren’t republicans,” and goes on to criticize their use of dangerous rhetoric, eventually describing the movement in terms of their inciteful language as “the American Taliban.”
I didn’t watch “The Newsroom” as it aired in 2012, I watched it in 2022. Somehow, watching hypothetical coverage of a political era I was too young to understand felt perfectly relatable.
Though the never-ending conveyer belt of growing pride and lack of trust seems inevitable, the first step in reversing it means rationally obtaining the necessary information to make a decision not to buy in. Anyone can say they don’t trust the overarching media or don’t care for politics, but without intentional intervention, the belt rolls on.
At one point McHale states her reasoning for producing their broadcast specifically.
“The key to democracy is a well-informed electorate,” McHale said. “When there is no information, or much worse, wrong information, it can lead to calamitous decisions that clobber any attempts at vigorous debate.”
At a time when cultural awareness, progressive movements, political turmoil, and social media trends have defined the last decade of this country, it seems like Americans are more focused on staying in touch with everything about the country, but have lost touch with the self.
Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” originally released in 1988, can transcribe an issue with the modern state of America, the message of the song having lasting relevancy. This issue of a lack of touch with oneself has plagued this country for many decades, and the problem has only gotten worse in the digital age where people can be distracted by others’ “more interesting” lives.
A similar behavior was discussed in the texts for one of the courses I am taking this semester. The TLDR of the discussion was that modern Americans cannot stand to be alone with their own thoughts. Today, we are so used to having something to take our mind off of ourselves, that we very rarely take the time to tune in to oneself and our own lives and problems.
The song urges people to start change with themselves, “look in the mirror” before they attempt to tackle the problems around them. oSiedah Garrett, a co-writer for the song, told Americansongwriter.com: “To make a difference on the outside, you have to first start from within. So I think that Michael just got it. He got the meaning of the song right away.”
Yet, somehow, we are still the same ones who have this immense concern over what is going on all around us. The year 2020 felt like a huge turning point for the country as well as the world as there was so much going on at the time, from Covid, to the rise of TikTok, to the presidential election, and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement among George Floyd’s death.
But during all this time when people were supposed to be quarantined and socially distant, a time when people should have been able to have deep self-reflection, these struggling times seemed to have the opposite effect.
For instance, in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the Black Lives Matter movement saw a strong rally on social media and in the real world. On June 2, 2020, millions of people across Instagram posted a blank black image on their page to show their support for the cause. There were endless Black Lives Matter protest that summer across the country.
The question is: “How many people really focused on their own individual contribution to the issue?”
The entire movement became more of a trend than something that people truly dedicating themselves to inspire change. And as that trend died down, so did the support for the movement, and there has still yet to be legislative action taken to fix the issue at hand.
This is just one example of how people in this country tie themselves to trends and movements, and lose focus on individual improvement, self-reflection, and self-accountability. As Michael Jackson sings in “Man in the Mirror”, “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change”.”
In a world that often seems obsessed with the idea of physical perfection, J. Cole's song 'Crooked Smile' stands as a unique and powerful anthem that challenges these norms and celebrates imperfections. The song provides a lens through which we can examine the concept of American beauty, showing that it's not defined by flawless appearances, but rather by the authenticity and resilience that come with embracing one's imperfections.
"Crooked Smile" dives into the societal pressures placed on women to fit into traditional beauty standards. J. Cole's lyrics are a moving reminder of the constant expectations that women face, as he raps, 'I keep my twisted grill, just to show them kids it's real. We ain't picture perfect, but we worth the picture still.'
In these lines, he acknowledges that perfection is an illusion and encourages women to break free from these beauty norms. American beauty, as seen in this song, is about the strength to defy societal expectations and embrace one's true self.
"Crooked Smile" promotes self-love and acceptance. It's a reminder that true beauty comes from within and that loving oneself, flaws and all, is the ultimate expression of confidence. J. Cole sings, 'Love yourself, girl, or nobody will.' These words resonate with the American ideal of individualism and self-empowerment.
In the land of opportunity, where individual freedoms and self-expression are celebrated, self-love becomes an important part of American beauty. The song's message of self-love and acceptance don’t just stop there, it extends to issues of social justice. J. Cole uses his platform to address systemic racism and police brutality, drawing attention to the injustices that are in American society.
He says, 'And I'ma get a message out, while I got the chance to. ‘Hey officer man, we don't want nobody getting killed. Just open up that cell, let my brother out of jail'. These lines show that American beauty is not just skin deep; it's also about fighting for justice, equality, and a better future for all. In the essence of American beauty, "Crooked Smile" pushes a narrative that goes beyond skin-deep appearances.
It reminds us that true beauty is authenticity, and it is capable of challenging societal norms. American beauty isn't about conforming to an idealized image; it's about embracing our crooked smiles and imperfections. It's about self-love, self-acceptance, and the resilience to stand against injustice.
Through this song, J. Cole paints a portrait of American beauty that is both real and inspirational. Cole's "Crooked Smile" isn't just a song; it's a reflection of the American spirit. It embodies the idea that beauty isn't about adhering to impossible standards; it's about celebrating what makes us unique and authentic.
It's a reminder that embracing our imperfections and loving ourselves is a powerful act of self-expression and empowerment. In a nation that values individualism and self-determination, this song speaks to the heart of American beauty.
As we listen to the words of "Crooked Smile," we are reminded that true beauty is not defined by flawless faces but by the courage to be ourselves. It's a call to embrace our unique qualities, to love ourselves, and to stand up for justice. In this way, "Crooked Smile" becomes a testament to the diversity of American beauty, where every imperfection adds to the richness of the story.
J.Cole's message echoes across the nation, reminding us that our crooked smiles are not a sign of weakness but a symbol of strength. This song is more than just a melody; it's a mirror reflecting the essence of American beauty. It tells us that we are beautiful in our imperfections, that we are strong when we love ourselves, and that we have the power to change the world when we stand up for justice.
In every note and every lyric, "Crooked Smile" reaffirms the idea that America's beauty lies in its diversity, its resilience, and its commitment to self-expression. It's a reminder that we are all part of the beautiful fabric that is America, and our crooked smiles are what make us unique, strong, and undeniably beautiful.
America, the land of opportunity and freedom, or so they say.
If you peel back the layers, you'll find a nation where perception is the key to shaping its reality in ways you might not even realize are possible. I realized this when listening to coverage of a debate and swearing that the two different channels I had watched were covering two different events. This is where the phrase "America is A Perception" comes to the forefront, and it's a concept that is rooted deeply in the realm of government scandals. In this era of information overload and spinning, perception often becomes as important as the truth itself. One of the most striking examples of this intersection of perception and reality is the Watergate scandal which was carefully depicted in the film "All the President's Men."
In the edges of American history, Watergate stands as a stark reminder that perception can eclipse facts. Everything began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, a plot hatched by individuals within President Richard Nixon's administration. The 1970s, a time before smartphones and social media played a role in the success of this break-in. Back then, the ability to manipulate and control narratives was less complex, and as we know now, this contributed to the unfolding of this scandal.
But the true significance of Watergate went far beyond the initial break-in. What truly defined this scandal was how the perception of it evolved. As more information and leaks came to light, the trust of the American public in their government plummeted. Watergate was an eye-opener that revealed how perception could shape the destiny of a nation. The main way to view this is public approval ratings of Nixon between 1969-1974. On Jan. 28, 1969, Nixon had an approval rating of 60% and a disapproval rating of 5%. On Aug. 5, 1974, Nixon had an approval rating of 24% and a disapproval rating of 66%. One of the biggest falls in presidential history ratings wise.
"All the President's Men," directed by Alan J. Pakula, portrays the investigative journey undertaken by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, two hardworking journalists from The Washington Post. The film is a deep exploration of the power of perception through their eyes, showing us how the perception of a scandal and an unwavering hunt for the truth can rewrite the course of a nation.
There's a pivotal scene where Woodward meets the elusive informant, Deep Throat, in a dimly lit parking garage.
[video credit="Movieclips - YouTube" align="center"] [/video]
In a world where we often view things through a financial lens, Deep Throat's advice to "Follow the Money" seems like common sense today. However, back in those days, the financial aspect of investigations was less prominent. This simple yet powerful advice led Woodward and Bernstein to uncover crucial information within the Watergate scandal. This signifies how the perception of political scandals has evolved, with today's discussions often beginning with money and financial implications.
The power of "All the President's Men" isn't just in its retelling of the Watergate scandal, it lies in its reflection on the impact of perception. Before Woodward and Bernstein uncovered the scandal, Richard Nixon was seen as one of the most accomplished presidents in American history. He had navigated the Vietnam War, negotiated a groundbreaking arms treaty with the Soviet Union, and boosted diplomatic ties worldwide. Achieving all this in a single presidential term was nothing short of astonishing.
However, once the scandal unraveled the perception of Nixon dramatically flipped. Concrete evidence from those infamous tapes showed him for what he was: a liar. While it's no secret that politicians often bend the truth, hearing the President himself admit to criminal activities was a game changer. It swiftly altered the public's perception and trust in the government. It's a moment where the balance of perception and trust forever shifted in the public's eyes.
Watergate isn't the only government scandal illustrating the notion that "America is A Perception." The Teapot Dome scandal of the 1920s and the Iran-Contra affair in the 1980s are additional instances where public perception played a crucial role in shaping the outcome. These scandals, alongside Watergate, spotlight the lack of trust and the ever-changing nature of perception in American governance.
In conclusion, the phrase "America is A Perception" summarizes a fundamental truth about the United States. The nation's history is scarred with government scandals that support the idea that public perception can influence political destinies as much as the facts themselves. "All the President's Men" captures this concept through its lens on the Watergate scandal and the media's power in shaping perception. It's a lesson that in a democracy, what the public perceives holds as much weight as the concrete facts. The perception of the American government is a force that can change the course of the nation. So remember, in the upcoming season of American politics, perception often steals the vote.
Mid-Atlantic Football Standings MAC Win Pct. Overall Win Pct. Streak
abigale eash • Oct 19, 2023 at 2:02 pm
fascinating article ava