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| National Geographic - Excellent, for the most partNational Geographic has been the one of the iconic staple magazines in American homes since its first publication in October of 1888. Since then, the trademark yellow border (around the edges of the cover) has been a familiar sight to many, if not most Americans. But, exactly, what is the National Geographic magazine? It is a publication of the National Geographic Society, a nonprofit scientific and educational organization "for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge" whose goal is "inspiring people to care about the planet."
The National Geographic Society also publishes other magazines similar to National Geographic but directed toward a specific audience. These magazines include: National Geographic Traveler, National Geographic Kids, National Geographic Little Kids, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Young Explorer, and National Geographic Extreme Explorer.
National Geographic is a monthly magazine that provides informative articles about geography, popular science, world history, current events, and technology for a wide audience of readers. Another hallmark of National Geographic is the magnificent photography that fills each issue. The photography is excellent, often breathtaking. Half, full, two-page spreads, and three-page pull out sections throughout the magazine are more than insightful. These pictures offer the average National Geographic reader a view of the world, through the lens of a camera, from remote places where they are not likely to travel.
Each issue has one or two feature articles, which are longer and more in-depth, and many secondary articles that add interesting tidbits to ones perspective on life. Another notable aspect of National Geographic is that the bulk of the advertisements is typically found at the beginning and end of the magazine as opposed to interspersed throughout. This helps to keep the articles de-cluttered and minimizes distraction for the reader.
National Geographic is a very popular magazine. According to Amazon.com, it is rated number one in history magazines, number one in travel and regional magazines, and number one in science in nature subcategory nature and ecology magazines. Its popularity speaks for its influence. And why is it so influential? It is so influential because of its revered excellence.
The name National Geographic is equated with scholarly excellence and accuracy. National Geographic is world-renowned for their top-notch research and exploration which go into each quality article and accompanying pictures. The nation, and the world, has accepted National Geographic as the standard of excellence in society. Their accuracy and truth in the information that is presented cannot be argued with. For the validity of their reporting, I can hardly find fault with the makers of National Geographic.
One aspect of the magazine, however, does concern me to a degree. National Geographic does have a very biased slant which is part-liberal, part-evolutionary and part-environmental extremist. As with almost all research and reporting these days, it has a definite stance on subjects; it is a slant that is, for the most part, very evident in their writing. They present their perspective on a story which may or may not be the correct perspective.
National Geographic magazine is also extremely, and blatantly, evolutionary in bias and thought. The authors and editors make no secret that this worldview fills the magazine's pages. In the February 2010 issue, an article titled "Hubble, renewed" states that the "universe itself is but 13.7 billion years old." In addition, many articles frequently refer to both human and animal evolution. Interestingly, however, when describing other natural phenomena, such as the symbiotic-like relationship of clownfish and coral, they don't mention how such a relationship could evolve.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that National Geographic is wrong or incorrect because they put their bias in their articles. On the contrary, people are free to say what they like and to put it in print for all of the world to see (such as I am doing now). This is one of the freedoms granted to us as Americans; it is the freedom of speech. However, I am saying that a person, depending on their convictions, should be careful about which sources they get their news or research from depending on whether or not they regard it as truth.
The fact is, as much as any of us would like to believe it, sometimes we can't prove the things we believe in, or disprove the things that we don't. All we can do is take the knowledge that we gain from various different sources to create our own insights on life. It is important for us to realize, however, that biases, even slight ones, can creep into our lives and become a significant influence, either for good or for bad.
In addition, people should have experience with many different views on life's issues. This is beneficial at times when he or she are confronted with a conversation or debate which discusses those particular issues. If we want to intelligently converse about issues, we have to know the facts of those issues.
As a whole, I think that National Geographic is a very informative and interesting magazine that offers me insights into aspects of areas that I would not otherwise necessarily explore. In that sense, it broadens my scope on life and exposes me to many fascinating things. It is also a magazine that is, for the most part, reliable and trustworthy. However, while I read with curiosity, I also read with an evaluatory mindset. Not everything is exact truth, but it might not be bogus either.
Articles used for review: February 2010 (Polygamy in America: One Man, Five Wives, 46 Children), January 2010 (Merging Man and Machine: The Bionic Age), and December 2009 (Are We Alone?: Searching the Heavens for Another Earth).
Alecia Gray
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