THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN GOSSIP

_______(2006) THE WEEK/ 5/12/ P.11

In the states, gossip came early. One of the first villains of the press was Thomas Jefferson who was described as having a mistress and other affairs with Black slaves. By 1900, there was an organized affair called TOWN TOPICS that hit mainly politicians. In 1919 a New York paper

spread the awful news about important people.

In the 30's onward, Walter Winchell was the premier gossip. He sat in the STORK CLUB and was given information by person and by phone that was situated at his table. Others were Hedda Hopper and Louella Parson. THE WEEK indicates that they were not all that ethical and often got information from federal spy agencies.

As popular as these individuals were, PEOPLE magazine presented a reality clean image from the likes of the notorious CONFIDENTIAL magazine. That periodical said that my fraternity or another one was involved in group sex and showed the outline of my university. It didn't matter if it was true, but I missed the party.

PEOPLE made dirt respectable. Now gossip has gone global. You can't miss it. It is the most interesting and inexpensive ways to fill the air from internet to cable. Its great soft news.

If you would like to know, everyone that is famous is gay/bisexual, involved in anti-government activity and almost died of a drug overdose. American history ought to be written from scandal sheets and tabloids. Did you know that the ghost of John F. Kennedy was advising former president William Clinton? You don't believe it? Well, it was right there on the impulse rack in my super. If it is in print, it has to be true. Right?