Sum up the information on Natalie Savage and what she does while waiting for the media briefing to start.

Analyze how Savage’s experiences on her first day in her new job are conveyed. Focus on narrative techniques and use of language.

Natalie Savage is a newly appointed White House correspondent working for a U.S. television network. On her first day, she is clearly excited about her new role and proud to be in such an important position. However, even though she looks like a typical news reporter — wearing heavy make-up and styled for the camera — she feels uncomfortable with this appearance and seems critical of the image expected in her profession.

While waiting for the media briefing to begin, she stays in her assigned place in the White House press room. During this time, she carefully observes her surroundings. The narrator describes how she takes in the run-down, stuffy atmosphere of the room, which is crowded with journalists from different media outlets. This shows that although the White House is a symbol of power and professionalism, the actual working conditions are far less glamorous.

To distract herself, Natalie looks at her cellphone. She reads messages from her mother and views photos her sister has sent her, which suggests that she still feels connected to her personal life and seeks comfort in familiar things during this stressful moment.

She also starts a conversation with another journalist, who writes for a controversial online news platform. Natalie seems critical of this type of journalism and questions the seriousness of his reporting. Their conversation touches on the importance and current relevance of White House briefings, showing that she is thoughtful about her role as a journalist and committed to maintaining high standards in political reporting.

In summary, while Natalie waits for the briefing to start, she observes, reflects, and interacts — all of which provide insight into her character: a professional, ambitious, yet self-aware journalist at the beginning of a demanding job.

On her first day as a White House correspondent, Natalie Savage’s experiences are conveyed through vivid language, figurative expressions, and a limited third-person point of view. These techniques reveal both her excitement and her growing discomfort, presenting a detailed picture of her situation.

At first, Savage feels thrilled to be in such an important political space. Her excitement is expressed through words and phrases like “intensity” (l. 1), “pupil-dilating flush of oxygen” (l. 2), and “heart-pounding thrill” (l. 2), which highlight the emotional and physical effects of the moment. These strong images underline how meaningful this opportunity is for her career.

However, her initial awe is contrasted by disappointment in the press room’s condition. The setting is described with negatively connoted phrases like “smelled of mold and sweat” (l. 8), “crap hole” (l. 10), and "shabbiness of the tiny press room” (l. 11). A simile compares the room to “an aging duchess who uses chipped Limoges not because she can’t afford better but because she likes it” (ll. 12–13), suggesting the unattractive atmosphere is deliberate. This contrast between her expectations and reality emphasizes her frustration.

Savage also shows disapproval toward the appearance standards for TV reporters. She describes “torturing her hair into silky straightness” (l. 24) and sarcastically exaggerates that she was “wearing one percent of her body weight in foundation and eye shadow” (ll. 24–25). She is also not choosing this appearance voluntarily; the head of talent at her media outlet pressures her with lines like: “Everyone at the White House has ... won’t see you!” (ll. 26–27), making it clear that she has no real choice.

When interacting with Matt Walsh, a journalist from a controversial website, Savage’s rejection of shallow, sensational journalism becomes clear. The narrator uses sharp language like “snark with an undertone of kissed-it-fucked-it-over disdain” (ll. 43–44) and “cannibalistic enthusiasm” (l. 39). Savage recalls a Beltway story titled “Kiss My Fat Ass? ... the Oval Office!” (ll. 49–51), which triggers feelings of frustration and contempt in her, as it reflects the kind of superficial reporting she clearly disapproves of.

Although she talks to Walsh, she keeps her distance. She is described as “wary but fascinated” (l. 54) and chooses a tone that is “warm but not too friendly” (l. 56). In the conversation, she answers confidently and briefly: “No.” (l. 59), “Yes.” (l. 61), and uses ironic humor: “Are you a doctor? ... much better now.” (ll. 68–69). Her disapproval is again shown through the phrase “performed a mental eye roll” (l. 74) and the reported thought “As if ... superior reporting” (ll. 75–77).

In conclusion, narrative techniques such as imagery, irony, and word choice help illustrate Natalie Savage’s mixed emotions. She appears as a motivated yet critical character who is not afraid to question the superficial and performative aspects of her new profession.

This quotation criticizes the lack of depth in sensationalist journalism. Instead of focusing on facts or analysis, some media concentrate on entertainment or personal drama, which can have serious consequences for political discourse.

Quality journalism plays an important role in supporting democracy. By offering detailed and well-researched background information, it helps the public gain a deeper understanding of complex political issues. It presents results of thorough investigations and follows professional standards. This creates trust and encourages people to form balanced and well-founded opinions. Through presenting different perspectives and avoiding bias, quality journalism contributes to a constructive political debate. However, its influence may be limited because it often reaches only a well-educated audience that is already interested in politics.

Sensationalist journalism, on the other hand, has a much broader reach. Its simplified and emotional content is easy to understand and attracts a larger public. This can help raise awareness of political topics even among people who might not follow serious news otherwise. However, the downsides are significant. Sensationalist reporting often focuses on irrelevant details, stirs emotions, and provokes scandals instead of informing people. It can distract from real political problems and discredit politicians based on personal issues rather than policies. Worse, one-sided or exaggerated stories may push people toward extreme, populist opinions and contribute to political polarization, which undermines democratic values.

In conclusion, quality journalism strengthens democratic discourse through professionalism and depth, even if it does not reach everyone. Sensationalist journalism may reach more people, but it often damages political communication by oversimplifying, manipulating, or dividing public opinion. For a healthy democracy, it is essential to support reliable and balanced reporting while staying critical of media that turn politics into mere entertainment.

Dear Mr. Horsey,

Your cartoon clearly criticizes social media as a negative force that weakens independent thinking, especially among younger Americans. It suggests that platforms like these have a lasting influence on how young people view the world. I think you raise an important issue, as the risk of distraction, manipulation, and even addiction through social media is real and should not be underestimated.

In many ways, I agree with your message. Social media platforms have enormous power to control what users see, from news and advertisements to political content. Algorithms based on user data often decide what information is shown, which can lead to narrow perspectives and filtered realities. This is especially concerning when it comes to younger users, who may not always be aware of how their behavior is being tracked and used. In addition, there is still a lack of strong regulations to hold these companies accountable for the content they promote or allow to spread.

However, I also believe that the cartoon presents a somewhat one-sided view. It shows social media as purely evil, without acknowledging the diversity of platforms, functions, and users. Many young people today are more media-literate than we often give them credit for. They know how to question sources, check facts, and use social media to express themselves and engage in meaningful discussions. It’s also important to remember that not only the companies are responsible, users themselves contribute to problems like hate speech or misinformation.

All in all, your cartoon offers a strong and important message about the dangers of social media influence. While I would argue for a more nuanced perspective, I appreciate how your work opens up space for debate and encourages critical reflection.

Thank you for using your art to raise awareness of such urgent topics.

Best regards,

Amber Collins