Seeing in the Dark

The Washington Post’s spot reminded us of the importance of “holding government accountable and safeguarding the interests of readers.”

While the all-consuming battle that is the Super Bowl looms a month away, I find myself reflecting on another battle—the one for our very democracy—and frightened by the indifference surrounding it. It was at last year’s game that The Washington Post ran its now infamous “Knowing keeps us free” spot.  Post publisher, Fred Ryan, called the 60-second spot, “a milestone moment in our ongoing campaign” and the Super Bowl, “a remarkable moment to recognize the courage and commitment of journalists around the world.” It was also a hugely expensive moment, with CBS charging a record $5.25 million for a 30-second slot.  

I say “infamous” because the commercial was immediately pounced on by the far right with an ugliness that seemed surprising—even for them. What, one wonders,  could be objectionable about
America’s proverbial “good guy” Tom Hanks, reminding viewers that, “Knowing empowers us. Knowing helps us decide. Knowing keeps us free,”?  How could one disparage images of slain or missing journalists that included columnist James Khashoggi, freelance reporter Austin Tice, and American war correspondent Marie Colvin?

Well, Breitbart did—alerting its readers that this “vacuous” and “highest form of propaganda” was produced, “only to give you a chronic case of the FeelSoGoodz,” and that it aired while the Post was laying off over 1,200 employees. It then went on to propose a better voice-over, stating, “Democracy doesn’t die in darkness — it dies in a brightly lit newsroom populated with hacks owned by a Silicon Valley megalomaniac who sends dick pics to his mistress.” Wow.

This blog was launched with a desire to rise above the ugliness. To inspire as opposed to incite. But the fact that these kinds of convoluted affronts to truth have gotten worse in the year since the spot aired demands consideration. I don’t know the answer. But continuing “to know” is a good place to start.