Lewinsky Vs. Clinton Essay, Research Paper
Perhaps the biggest presidential scandal since the Nixon administration came to light in January 1998. This is when the now infamous Monica Lewinsky first appeared on our television sets. The American population did not know Ms. Lewinsky until the scandal broke. After the media was informed of the activities between President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky the little known woman was instantaneously the topic of conversation all over the world. The intention of this paper is not to figure out who was right or wrong in the scandal, the reasoning behind it is to show how the mass media shapes and implements our own ideas and opinions about people. Every opinion we have is somehow related to who and what we see around us. The way that these things are portrayed on television or in magazines influences our overall attitude towards them. In many situations we have only the media to rely on when learning about certain events. Sometimes you can check more than one source to get a different opinion, but more times than not the overall image generated by all media platforms of a person or event is very similar. In this sense it is very hard sometimes to get a fair perspective of the occurrences. The views that the American public has towards Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky have been directly affected by how the mass media portrayed each individual.
Susan Douglas? book Where The Girls Are is a reflection of just how controlling the mass media is over the opinions and ideas of the people that it reaches. Douglas talks about the ways in which the mass media forms an individual?s character. She focuses on the effects that the media has on women as they grow-up in America. If this is true then perhaps Monica Lewinsky was shaped in such a way that she felt obligated to give in to the president?s wishes of having a relationship. After the scandal broke the media then proceeded to shape the publics opinion of Ms. Lewinsky. It is very easy for our opinions to be swayed if we know nothing about the subject or individual.
One place that is near impossible to hide from the public and media is the White House. Bill Clinton has been plagued by scandal since entering the White House in 1992. As the Lewinsky scandal began President Clinton was just recovering from the Whitewater scandal. Before Lewinsky, Clinton was accused of having a sexual relationship with Gennifer Flowers while he was the governor of Arkansas. Clinton denied these reports during his 1992 campaign. However, in a deposition a few years later the president admitted to having an affair with Flowers. Paula Jones who worked for him while he was governor also sued Clinton. Jones disputed that Clinton treated her unfairly after she refused to have a sexual relationship with him. Despite these repeated scandals Mr. Clinton has maintained a fairly supportive reaction from the mainstream media. I strongly feel that Clinton?s lack of accountability is due to the fact that most of the scandals that he has been involved in pertain to sexual relationships with women. The male dominated media portrays this in a lighthearted way. On the other hand, the females involved in all of these scandals have been made out to be unjust sluts looking for a big payday.
Contradictory to Clinton?s past is that of Monica Lewinsky. Monica grew up in Beverly Hills California. Her father owned a chain of cancer treatment clinics. When researching the depictions that those close to Ms. Lewinsky have, a very different person is revealed. “Monica is very, very energetic and very charismatic and has tremendous ideas and no matter what task you give her, she gets involved and goes to it,” said her dad, Dr. Bernard Lewinsky. Richard Makoff, Lewinsky’s former headmaster, said, “I remember her being a nice kid and pretty normal young lady. The only extra-curricular activity she was involved in was chorus.” Monica graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon in May 1995. The following summer, Monica arrived at the White House as an intern (Aiken). The media has shown Monica Lewinsky in a totally different light than her father and friends remember her.
On January 21, 1998 this woman who was unknown to the public was instantaneously thrust onto every possible form of media in the country. On this date several news organizations began reporting of an alleged scandal between a White House intern and President Clinton. When asked about the rumors in a previously arranged interview with PBS and National Public Radio President Clinton denied having a sexual or inappropriate relationship with the intern (Blitzer et al). Along with Lewinsky, Linda Tripp soon surfaced in connection with the alleged scandal. Apparently Tripp set the scandal in motion by taking taped conversations between her and Monica to Kenneth Starr. Starr was the special prosecutor in the Whitewater scandal. He had already been investigating rumors of the scandal. Starr claimed to only be interested in whether the president committed obstruction of justice or perjury (Blitzer et al). Even after just one day of being in the media, the scandal was the talk of all daytime and late night talk shows.
As the scandal progressed rumors of whether the president should resign began to surface. Clinton responded firmly that he owed it to the American people to remain in the White House. At this point President Clinton remained fairly safe from media attacks. Conversely, Monica Lewinsky was being mobbed by uncountable amounts of reporters. Her family?s privacy was also being invaded. FBI agents questioned Lewinsky?s younger brother Michael about his sister?s involvement with the president (King and Franken). In defense of Monica Lewinsky a non-profit group that studies women in the workplace contributed $10,000 to aid with her legal funds (O?Connor).
Throughout the hearings the media continued to hound Monica. She was mobbed everywhere she went. For twenty years she had led a private life. Now every time she opened her door she was photographed and questioned by hundreds of reporters. Monica?s name was mentioned on almost every possible television show in the country. From Jay Leno to David Lettermen the sex jokes about her seemed to be a nightly ritual. All across America households were talking about the sexual scandal in the White House.
As the scandal neared a conclusion the average person?s opinion of Monica Lewinsky continued to be influenced by the way she was being portrayed by the mass media. Most people thought of her as an overweight gold-digger. These ideas about Monica were placed at the front of people?s minds by every TV show and magazine article voicing an opinion about her. On the other hand, President Clinton?s image seemed only slightly tarnished. After all the coverage, trials, and testimonies President Clinton received little more than a slap on the wrist. Most public opinion polls across the country actually showed a gain in support for the President as the hearings came to an end.
Since the 1950?s television has had a major influence on the viewing audience. As technology continues to grow, so does the amount of influence the mass media has on the opinions of those reached by it. In a matter of minutes information about an unknown person can suddenly be transmitted into nearly every household in the country. Being the only source of information about certain issues, the mass media is free to influence our opinions in one way or another. The fact that Monica Lewinsky?s character has forever been changed in the minds of people across the world by the media is unfair. Her name is nothing more than the butt of jokes told at bars and dinner tables throughout America. The opinions we have of her now are very different than that of the ones held by the people that knew her as she was growing up. Conversely, Bill Clinton?s persona has been modified by the media?s representation of his involvement. He seems to be a sort of hero to many men across America. The vast difference in the opinions of the two seems to root itself in the traditional depiction of men and women by the media. Throughout time the media has depicted women more as objects and possessions of men, rather than equal to those men (Douglas). In this sense the public accepts President Clinton?s actions because he is a man. Monica?s life is not completely ruined by this media circus. In fact, Monica Lewinsky has made millions selling her story to the very same individuals that invaded her privacy and smeared her name. What is the final price of all this fame and fortune, a tarnished reputation and perhaps bad knees?
58f
Aiken, Jonathan. ?Who Is Monica Lewinsky?? All Politics: CNN 6 Aug. 1998. 30 March 2000 207.25.71.29/ ALLPOLITICS/1998/08/06/lewinsky.profile/
Blitzer, Wolf., et al., eds. ?Clinton Denies Affair With Intern, Cover-up Attempt.? All Politics: CNN 21 Jan. 1998. 30 March 2000 207.25.71.29/ALLPOLITICS /1998/01/21/clinton.starr.am/
Douglas, Susan J. Where The Girls Are. New York: Times Books, 1995.
O’Connor, Eileen. ?Clinton Aide Appears Before Grand Jury.? All Politics: CNN 26 Feb. 1998. 29 March 2000 207. 25.71.29/ALLPOLITICS/1998/02/26/lewinsky.scandal/
Другие работы по теме:
The ClintonLewinsky Scandal Essay Research Paper Lately
The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal Essay, Research Paper Lately, the top story in the news day after day, months after months have been about William Jefferson Clinton, also known as Bill. Who could blame them, there is nothing better than a story out of the ordinary, especially one with presidential status. For the past months he has been the most talked about figure, being the essential topic for news, talk shows, late night comedy and even going as far as the big screen.
Meaningless Tasks Essay Research Paper The Tenth
Meaningless Tasks Essay, Research Paper The Tenth annual Meaningless Task Awards are approaching us quickly. There have been many people I have scrutinized for this award. After looking at all of the aspects of these people, I have chosen one person I believe to be the best candidate. The person I have chosen is Monika Lewinsky.
A New Leader Essay Research Paper A
A New Leader Essay, Research Paper A New Leader I voted Al Gore for president because he has been under our current president Bill Clinton for eight years. Clinton has done an extemely suberb job in office
Aquittals Essay Research Paper The AcquittalsAbuse of
Aquittals Essay, Research Paper The Acquittals Abuse of power has never been welcomed by society. Whether it is in the home, on the job, in our schools or in our government, society subjects these abuses of power to investigation and prosecution. The penalties can be a dismissal from their position, court marshal or impeachment for the president.
James Dean Essay Research Paper James DeanEven
James Dean Essay, Research Paper James Dean Even With Curie, Jordan, and Lewinsky….None of them were a Dean There are many parallels that can be drawn between the impeachment of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Both involved the obstruction of justice and lying outright to the American public. But one thing that was omitted from the Clinton trial was a key f
Monogamy In The Presidency Essay Research Paper
In January of 1998, President William Clinton; forty third president of the United States, was publicly accused of monogamy while in the office of presidency. The accusations were made by a female Whitehouse Intern named Monica Lewinsky. Lewinsky, whom was a Whitehouse Intern, claims to have had sex with President Clinton in the Oval Office of the Whitehouse.
Bill Clinton Essay Research Paper
Many presidents of the United States have been accused of having an affair. Most of these accusations can not be proven. The presidents usually get off the hook and nothing else is said about the affair ever again. In Bill Clinton?s case it is very different. He was accused of having an affair with Monica Lewinsky.
Is President Bill Clinton A Tragic Character
Essay, Research Paper Is President Bill Clinton a Tragic character? A tragic character is someone who is basically good, strong, intelligent, and not a martyr. A tragic character must have good fortune and be successful. A tragic character must also possess a tragic flaw, which in an attribute that would lead to a downfall.
Clinton Files Essay Research Paper TEXT 1
Clinton Files Essay, Research Paper TEXT 1 On Sunday, January 21, 1996, according to Ms. Lewinsky, she and the President had another sexual encounter. Her time of White House entry is
Opinion On Impeachment Hearings Essay Research Paper
mpeachment is a serious offense. It is not a slap on the hand, nor is it a humble form of discipline. Impeachment is the most severe form of punishment a president can receive. To date, only two presidents have been impeached. Andrew Johnson (he was later aquitted by the Senate) and William Jefferson Clinton.
Impeachment Essay Research Paper Impeachment EditorialAs a
Impeachment Essay, Research Paper Impeachment Editorial As a Senator, issues concerning many topics important to our country s well being are brought about, but nothing as important as impeachment. Two presidents who have been tried under the grounds of impeachment are Andrew Johnson and William Clinton.
Illegal Immigrants Essay Research Paper Illegal immigrants
Illegal Immigrants Essay, Research Paper Illegal immigrants from the country of Honduras will find out later this year if they will be allowed to stay in the U.S. as illegal immigrants. With the Clinton Administration switching over to the Bush Administration the answer is not clear of whether or not they will be allowed to stay in the country after July 5, 2001.
King William I Essay Research Paper King
King William I Essay, Research Paper King William I Americans these days are too spoiled. Freedom and crime are far too rampant. Whatever happened to the good old days of ruthless, bloodthirsty monarchs? Rulers who would send the citizens quivering with the mere mention of their names. Kings whose wanton cruelty and disregard for human life pleased and amused us all.
American Polling Essay Research Paper
“Choice Words: If You Can’t Understand Our Poll Questions, Then How Can We Understand Your Answers?” Core Issue Richard Morin writes about a problem plaguing polls across the nation. Morin states that many Americans polled do not understand the poll questions, yet they seem to always have an opinion on most questions poised.
Speech Analysis Essay Research Paper This is
Speech Analysis Essay, Research Paper This is the speech delivered by President Bill Clinton at the annual White House prayer breakfast on Friday, September 11, 1998, to an audience of more than 100 ministers, priests and other religious leaders. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was also in attendance.
A Time To Step Down Essay Research
Paper A Time to Step Down When the President of the United States is sworn into office on his inaugural day in January, he is sworn to faithfully execute the supreme laws of the land, our constitution. We elect a new President every four years to run our nation, represent the country, and uphold the constitution of the United States.
Bill Clinton Essay Research Paper Award WinnerThe
Bill Clinton Essay, Research Paper Award Winner The most deserving person in the world to receive the Swift Silken Thread for Meaningless Achievement Award is former president William Jefferson Clinton. He was
Clintons Impeachment Essay Research Paper The Good
Clintons Impeachment Essay, Research Paper The Good, The Bad, The Impeached A fake. A liar. A cheat. Is this what should be said about the President? He has committed perjury, obstructed justice, and continues to lie to America about his actions. Bill Clinton is an embarrassment to America and should be impeached.
Clinton
– Argument Essay, Research Paper On Monday October fifth after a full day of historical debate, the House Judiciary Committee decided that there were grounds for President Bill Clinton to be impeached. The third presidential impeachment inquiry in history will be initiated due to the investigation of President Clinton’s relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
President Clinton Essay Research Paper The content
President Clinton Essay, Research Paper The content of President Clinton’s speech was elaborated and over zealous. His focus was directed on three topics: the past, the present, and the future. In the introduction, he started by addressing the challenges that will be bestowed upon us in the next century.
Ethics Or Moral Philosophy Essay Research Paper
The field of ethics, also called moral philosophy, involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. Philosophers today usually divide ethical theories into three general subject areas: metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. Metaethics investigates where our ethical principles come from, and what they mean.
President Clintons Administration Essay Research Paper Last
President Clinton?s Administration Essay, Research Paper Last year, President Clinton?s State of the Union address came just as the Monica Lewinsky scandal was exploding into public view. Clinton nevertheless gave a rousing speech, memorable for his call to ?save Social Security first.? This year, the address came as Clinton stands trial in the Senate.
Impeachment Essay Research Paper Impeachment A long
Impeachment Essay, Research Paper Impeachment: A long process It is the ultimate punishment for a president: impeachment. But it is a long and complicated route to removing a political official from office and never in more than 200 years of U.S. history has it happened to a president for “treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors,” as spelled out in the U.S.
Compromise Of 1850 Essay Research Paper Clinton
Compromise Of 1850 Essay, Research Paper Clinton Jolts Canadians With a Plea On Federalism In Ottawa, Canadians on both sides of the nation’s deep linguistic divide say they were stunned by President Clinton’s unexpectedly passionate appeal for national unity and federalism.
Trouble With Bill Clinton
’s Character Essay, Research Paper Trouble With Bill Clinton’s Character In the article, “The Trouble With Character” from Time magazine , writer Richard Stengel describes Bob Dole’s attacks on President Bill Clinton’s
Reaction To The Media Coverage On Clintions
Impeachment Essay, Research Paper “I want to say one thing to the American people. I want you to listen to me. I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.
Wag The Dog Essay Research Paper Wag
Wag The Dog Essay, Research Paper Wag The Dog The movie starts with the President hit with the claim he had sexual relations with a firefly girl during a tour of the white house, and all this happens two weeks before the election. I m not sure if this movie was actually based upon the Lewinsky scandal that our current president is facing, but it seems this movie came at the right time.
Bill Clinton Essay Research Paper Bill ClintonBill
Bill Clinton Essay, Research Paper Bill Clinton Bill Clinton was born as William Jefferson Blythe III in Hope, Arkansas on August 19, 1946. He is still alive and currently serves as the president of the United States. Clinton s father was killed in a car accident three months before he was born. His mother, Virginia, was forced to leave young William to be brought up by his grandparents while she pursued a career in nursing.
The Crucible Vs Clinton Essay Research Paper
Arthur Miller?s The Crucible and the scandal surrounding President Clinton can be compared in profusion. The old saying of history repeating itself is certainly proved true in this state of affairs (no pun intended), proving the timelessness of The Crucible. Key players utilized by Miller can be interpreted into many notorious faces portrayed by the media encircling our fearless leader.
The Clinton Scandal
Essay, Research Paper Over the past month’s our president William Jefferson Clinton has been under fire over his personal affairs with a young intern. Eventually in court he lied under oath about ever having a sexual relations with the twenty-one year old intern Monica Lewinsky. He also came out on national television and said he didn’t do it, which really added up.
Octavian Essay Research Paper AugustusJulius Caesar was
Octavian Essay, Research Paper Augustus Julius Caesar was assassinated by his colleagues due to treachery and fear of his rule, which led to a civil war. His death brought about a war between two strong political figures, Octavian, the step son of Julius Caesar and prot?g?, and Mark Antony, a once ally to Octavian.
Bill Clinton 2 Essay Research Paper Bill
Bill Clinton 2 Essay, Research Paper Bill Clinton In recent history, one would be hard pressed to find one politician surrounded in more controversy than Bill Clinton. His scandals have included drugs, adultery, treason, and fraud. The latest opprobrium that has plagued his presidency resulted in him becoming only the second president in the history of the United States to be impeached.
Clinton Scandal Essay Research Paper Clinton Scandal
Clinton Scandal Essay, Research Paper Clinton Scandal The evidence against President Clinton for sexual misconduct is very strong. There have been too many scandals that have surrounded his presidency. This forces the citizens of the United States to deny his plea of innocence. In the spring of 1995, Monica Lewinsky graduated from Lewis and Clark College.