Benjamin Franklin Press Representation

                 

Benjamin Franklin's name is etched in the history book for a multitude of reasons. Generations of people, past, present and future will know the name Benjamin Franklin as he was a crucial part of not only American democracy, but American history. A large part of why this is connects back to the representation of Benjamin Franklin within the press both back then and now.

As aforementioned, Benjamin Franklin contributed insurmountable efforts to American history and has changed the landscape of politics, culture, and journalism. The press has acknowledged these efforts as he is often referenced to be an American hero, whether it be from articles written during his time or articles written in present day. 

                                                

"Benjamin Franklin was, at the age of 70, the oldest man to sign the Declaration of Independence. He had done more than anyone else to keep America within the British Empire; and now he was to play a key part in the War that won Independence for the American Colonies" (Jones, 201). R.V. Jones begins his academic writing with the preceding quote, emphasizing praise for Franklin's work. He goes on to write about his life, however the key detail to note is the way he talks about Franklin. The positive diction and word choice allow for the readers to understand that the press was and still is a fan of Benjamin Franklin, and respect his work that he has contributed.

The press also seems to have had supported Benjamin Franklin as a career man, and has vouched for many things he has said and many decisions he has made. According to The Journal of Negro History, "Of the fathers of the republic who first saw the evils of slavery, none made a more forceful argument against the institution than Benjamin Franklin" (Franklin, 41). This source includes many of Benjamin Franklin's letters and writings addressing the issues of slavery and Franklin promoting the idea of anti-slavery. He was seen as a hero back then and even more so now when people observe his previous accomplishments.

                                                          

When reflecting on Franklin's career as a journalist however, the press often forgets to recognize his accomplishments. "Yet this important periodical has never received adequate critical attention, and even the latest edition of his works does not give a complete picture of Franklin as an editor or reprint all of his original materials" (Aldridge, 77). Clearly, Alfred Aldridge is an exception when writing about Franklin, but he clearly acknowledges the lack of attention given to Franklin's career as a journalist. 

During the time Benjamin Franklin was alive, the press wrote about him in honorary tones and praises him for his inventive work and ideas. An article, titled Historical Chronicle, says "the annual benefaction of Sir Godfret Copley, Bart. was, in a gold prize medal, adjudged to Benjamin Franklin, Efq; of Philadelphia, for his useful discoveries in electricity..." (Historical Chronicle). The writer, who was unnamed, referred to Franklin's discoveries as useful and later when on to praise Franklin for his work. 

                

It is clear that no matter the decade, the press views Benjamin Franklin in a positive light. His political history as well as his industrialized developments makes him one of the most well respected historical figures. His journalism career, although impactful, seems to not grab as much attention, and that is being acknowledged by journalists all over the world in today's industry.

Sources:

Aldridge, Alfred Owen. “Benjamin Franklin and the ‘Pennsylvania Gazette.’” Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, vol. 106, no. 1, 1962, pp. 77–81. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/985213. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.

Historical Chronicle. (1753, December 1). Historical Chronicle.

Jones, R. V. “Benjamin Franklin.” Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London, vol. 31, no. 2, 1977, pp. 201–225. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/531827. Accessed 31 Mar. 2021.

Franklin, Benjamin. “Benjamin Franklin and Freedom.” The Journal of Negro History, vol. 4, no. 1, 1919, pp. 41–50. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2713708. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.