Is There Any End to the Atlantic's "End-Ism" Fetish?
4 hours ago
- #cultural analysis
- #media criticism
- #journalism trends
- The Atlantic has an older readership with a median age of 51, focusing on themes of decline and endings.
- The magazine frequently uses 'the end of' headlines to discuss cultural, political, and societal changes, which the author criticizes as overgeneralized doom porn.
- Examples include articles declaring the end of reading, men, diplomacy, and democracy, among others, with few pieces highlighting beginnings.
- The author acknowledges real problems like declining reading habits and antisemitism but argues against framing them as apocalyptic endings.
- The Atlantic's shift away from on-scene reporting may contribute to its tendency toward grand, pessimistic pronouncements.
- Despite criticism, some 'end of' pieces are valued for their insights, but the author calls for an end to this repetitive framing.