Longread #101 -- Dirt Under the Rug -- 6/26/12

This longread comes from David Simon, the creator of HBO's The Wire. Simon looks at how the way that a particular statistic regarding homicide rates in Baltimore fundamentally changes how homicides are investigated, charged, and prosecuted, and he concludes that statistical manipulation on the part of powerful institutional figures dramatically reduces the well-being of the public. Simon's real point, though, is not about the statistic itself; instead, he argues that a well-paid and well-established news force (such as police beat writers) is essential to preventing this type of shenanigans by public institutions.

Some might argue that this article doesn't fit the blog's theme for the week because Simon's arguments aren't that controversial. I can understand where that thinking is coming from; however, I think this article retains controversy for a few reasons.

1. The tone that Simon takes is one that will undoubtedly ruffle feathers. It's Simon's style (as discussed in Longread #89) to be confrontational and not to pull punches, and this is apparent from the get-go. The criticism will be especially likely to stir disagreement from members of "new media" who don't see our society as reliant upon the type of press that Simon calls for.
2. While we might all nod our heads in agreement at Simon's conclusion that we need a strong, reliable media to serve as a "4th branch" of the government, how many people really commit to actions to help make that a reality. How many people are actually willing to buy a subscription to the local paper or to stop finding ways around the NY Times paywall? When the rubber hits the road, most people will opt for cheaper and more convenient news sources even if they sacrifice quality. The real controversy, then, is not Simon's argument itself, but rather why it so rarely influences people to change behavior.

"Dirt Under the Rug" by David Simon
Published at The Audacity of Despair, June 18, 2012
http://davidsimon.com/dirt-under-the-rug/