OUR NATION…divided.
Photo taken by MJ Johnson
I had long visualized this day. I often imagined myself on stage, microphone in hand, explaining my Master's thesis project, "This American Divide." This project, which explored societal polarization through social media, was the culmination of my academic journey. My recently recovered body felt weak from a bout of stomach flu. Facing a potentially hostile crowd meant an uphill battle.
However, the presentation went well for the audience in attendance. I guided the audience through a year of research, including interviews with psychologists and professors and original photography from New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, including a protest when Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Photo taken by Armon Owlia
The voice cloning of a Nixon advisor, a technique rarely used in journalism, caused controversy at the J-School. Some questioned my ethics despite professors recognizing its potential. The QAnon survivor interview—the most exciting chess match of my career—broadened my horizons by challenging my views.
I made multiple predictions, including the fate of Twitter, Supreme Court actions against tech companies, and changes to laws like Section 230. All came true, showing the connection between social media, culture, and polarization.
Confident in the series' potential, I announced a second season, set for May 2024, focusing on voting and its impact on polarization. But it never materialized.
"This American Divide" did poorly after the first 72 hours, making a second season unlikely. The project faced several challenges, including funding issues and unexpected roadblocks, which ultimately led to its discontinuation.
The infamous media layoffs of 2023 worsened the situation, shifting priorities and causing emotional burnout. These layoffs not only affected the industry but also had a personal impact on my work, leading to a period of uncertainty and exploration.
Despite the chaos, a few factors helped me focus. Increased populism fueled personal attacks and isolation, with depression and suicide rates climbing. Established echo chambers deepened, further dividing society.
Photo taken by Armon Owlia
Look at what's happening to registered Democrats as a result of the conflict in Gaza. People are picking sides, encouraged by party leaders to support either Israel or Hamas, with the media conflating Hamas with Palestine, worsening communication.
Societal divisions also led to increased political attacks, both verbally and violently, as seen with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, a significant instigator of harsh rhetoric.
On a lighter note, advancements in artificial intelligence prompted introspection. It's not the tool but the person who wields it that matters. A hammer can build or destroy, just as nuclear fission can be a clean energy source or a weapon.
With an active imagination and a desire to push technological boundaries for accurate storytelling, I strive to get the facts out, acknowledging personal biases but moving past them to give the complete picture.
Through it all, I realized who I am and what I stand for. I despise clickbait journalism, sensationalism, and insulting the audience's intelligence. Journalism today often pushes an agenda, fitting facts to the story instead of the other way around. Most alarming, it simplifies complex issues into black and white, ignoring the world's nuances.
This realization clarified my mission: to be an independent, non-agenda-oriented investigative journalist committed to speaking the truth and telling stories that humanize the political process. I will listen to those on the left as much as those on the right. I will dig for the truth and make the story fit the facts. I trust your intelligence and will challenge you to reconsider everything you know, just as I do with every piece I write.
Many see journalism as an art, but as the child of two individuals with deep scientific backgrounds, I see it as much a science as it is an art. Whether on the local or national level, we can find something that helps us understand the climate and move forward together, not as divided groups but as humans wanting to live happily and freely with a government that serves us, not itself.
So, with that, let's talk about "divided." This project will not be a second season of "This American Divide." Far from it. Consider that the rough dress rehearsal. Much of what I did in "This American Divide" needs to be scrapped and retooled.
The reinvention focuses more on storytelling, getting to the heart of how America's mental state contributes to polarization, holding those responsible accountable, and creating actionable goals to better our world and offer solutions.
It will be more human, less focused on pure facts, and more on their context. Like the original, it will be technologically advanced, using innovations to enhance the story.
We will explore how America's mental state and polarization influence each other through a central podcast, photography, articles, and exclusive interviews. Importantly, I will complete it by mid-January 2025, meaning the November election's outcome will remain the same as how I cover this story.
Your input is crucial. I encourage you all to tell me what issues or stories you'd like to see explored. I plan on releasing articles long before the podcast comes out, and I want to know what you want to learn about. Your suggestions will shape the direction of this project.
Please tell me what you think you know or what you want to know. Questioning what we think we know often leads to significant growth and intellectual stimulation. I look forward to the discussions and insights your questions will bring.
But one thing is certain: we have been divided too long. It's now time to come together. It's showtime. Let's embark on this journey of understanding and unity together.
