“By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, journalism keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, journalism keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde critiques the role of journalism in shaping public opinion, suggesting that by amplifying the voices of the uneducated, it often perpetuates the ignorance of the broader community. Wilde implies that journalism, rather than informing or educating, sometimes serves to reinforce ignorance by focusing on the opinions of those who lack the knowledge or insight to contribute meaningfully to public discourse. In his view, this results in a disservice to society, as it keeps people connected to or even confined by their lack of education or understanding.
Wilde’s comment also reflects his satirical take on the role of the media and its responsibility to not simply reflect but to inform and educate the public. He suggests that journalism, by presenting opinions without regard for their basis in knowledge or fact, can contribute to the dumbing down of public discussions, rather than raising the level of discourse and encouraging thoughtful debate.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a reflection on how the media today, through the spread of unverified opinions, clickbait, and superficial coverage, sometimes fails to fulfill its role as an educator of the public. Wilde’s words challenge us to think about the quality of the information we consume and the ways in which the media can shape our understanding of the world, either for better or worse. It encourages us to consider whether journalism is fostering informed discourse or merely keeping people trapped in ignorance.
