And just here let me say that I have felt much perplexity over the attitude of the American press, that great vehicle of information for the people, in respect of Hawaiian affairs. This sentence stood out to me when I was reading Queen Lili’uokalani’s story. In this quote Queen Lili'uokalani's use of the word perplexity shows how confused, surprised, and blindsided she was by the attitude of the American press in regards to not only Hawaii, but to the Hawaiian people. She expresses how the press was the mouthpiece of information and how it was the source that most American people were receiving information about Hawaii’s affairs. The quote also conveys how the queen knew that the press could help Hawaii by reporting the whole story and could be instrumental in reporting how Hawaii was in danger of losing its sovereignty. I chose this quote because it reminds me of how the written word is such a powerful tool.
Excellent analysis! The press did, in fact, vilify her, calling her a barbarian and other horrid names. This is a woman who can trace her royal line back further than the English monarchy. Shocking.
ReplyDeleteThe class readings have reminded me of how important newspapers are to different cultures and races. They can influence their readers and the general public.The press has the power to help or to hurt.
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