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Janet Malcolm

The Journalist and the Murderer

In "The Journalist and the Murderer," Janet Malcolm explores the complex and often ethically ambiguous relationship between a journalist and their subject, using the real-life case of convicted murderer Jeffrey MacDonald and his relationship with journalist Joe McGinniss as a case study. The book begins with the trial of MacDonald, who was convicted of murdering his wife and two young daughters in 1970. McGinniss, a well-known journalist, was hired by MacDonald to write a book about the case, and the two men formed a close relationship during the process. However, when the book was published, it portrayed MacDonald in a highly negative light, and MacDonald sued McGinniss for fraud, claiming that he had been misled about the book's true intentions. Malcolm uses this case to delve into the power dynamics that exist between journalists and their subjects, and the ways in which those dynamics can lead to exploitation and deception. She argues that journalists often enter into relationships with their subjects under the guise of friendship, but ultimately have their own agenda and are not above manipulating their subjects to achieve it. Malcolm also explores the concept of "the narrative fallacy," the idea that humans have a natural tendency to impose order and meaning on chaotic events, and how this can lead journalists to create narratives that are not entirely true. She argues that journalists have a responsibility to be truthful and fair, but that this can be difficult when they are also trying to create a compelling story. "The Journalist and the Murderer" is a thought-provoking and often uncomfortable read, as it challenges many of the assumptions that we have about the relationship between journalists and their subjects. It is a must-read for anyone interested in journalism, ethics, and the power of narrative. In conclusion, "The Journalist and the Murderer" is a book that offers a unique and insightful perspective on the relationship between journalists and their subjects, and the ethical dilemmas that can arise in the pursuit of a story. It is a thought-provoking and well-written book that will leave readers questioning their own assumptions about the media and the role of journalists in society...