Contributions Of Nellie Bly To The Society

By Maria Ward


It seems various significant individuals in the past had their talents suited for that era. A particular example is Nellie Bly, who was a newspaper reporter back then during the nineteenth century. Her works came in handy for changing various public policies. Her little formal education was not an obstacle to having a successful career.

She first got a job as a columnist in a newspaper after writing an article in the Pittsburg Dispatch. This was her first job. She took this opportunity and utilized it to professionally develop. The better part of the year after being hired was spent fielding assignments on a number of categories. These stemmed from fashion, entertainment, gardening among others.

After gaining more skills on the job, she went to Mexico. While in this country, she was able to compile reports which touched on corruption. Additionally, the poor living condition of the residents also attracted a huge international outrage that led to her deportation. She was forced to go back to United States after this. On her return, she got another job in a company known as the New York world. Several assignments such as being an undercover reporter at one of the lunatic asylums were carried out.

Being a good journalist that she was, her reports concerning the asylum prompted reactions from the jury. An investigation was launched and it was discovered that the institution needed financial assistance to improve living conditions. Majorly, professionals were taken aback by her efforts to foolishly dupe them that she was indeed mentally ill. In this regard, future examinations before admission to the institution were done thoroughly in order not to repeat the same mistake again.

Her inquisitive nature led her to making a decision of circumnavigating the world. Surprisingly, she was able to achieve this in just about seventy two days. Various continents were visited and the reports were only heard of in portions. This was aided by the existence of electric telegraphs and good submarine networks. Upon coming back to New York, a standing ovation coupled with ten celebratory shots was fired in her honor.

The following years saw Bly get married by a millionaire manufacturer who owned a steel company. The company specialized in the manufacture of milk cans and boilers. Nine years later, the husband died and she was forced to take over the business. However, there was embezzlement of funds which led to bankruptcy. Bly got back into reporting after this.

By the age of fifty seven, Bly bowed down to the pressure of an acute pneumonia. She was laid to rest and the only thing remaining was her memories. Dramatic representations came up in order to remember her even after her death. These included characters in books and films. In Brooklyn there was an amusement park that was previously named after her.

The works of this great journalist poses a huge challenge to most young women journalists. They therefore, need to go beyond writing about the so called women issues and take up massive steps to delve into comprehensive topics. Above all, they will need to build a network of peers and industry professionals in order to make this happen. One should also take advantage of the advent of technology to burning issues. By so doing, you are able to grow at a considerable rate without anything stopping you.




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