Many of us know Benjamin Franklin for a list of groundbreaking finding such as electricity, bifocals, heat stoves, swim fins and many other inventions. However, what people don't realize is how Benjamin Franking changed journalism. Prior to class presentations, I never new Benjamin Franklin was even a journalist. I was shocked to learn that he even had his own newspaper.
Benjamin Franklin changed journalism with the use of penn names. At 16 he started using penn name, Mrs. Silence Dogood, to publish his work in the New-England Courant, which was his brothers news paper. Ben Franklin would use many penn names throughout his life, each with a different personality. However, they all shared the same values and point of views. Mrs. Silence Dogoods opinions became very trusted among his readers and he eventually came out as the anonymous writer. Soon after Benjamin left Boston and traveled to Philadelphia where he created his own newspapers and continue his anonymous writing.
I learned it was very common for writers to use penn names during the eighteenth century for various different reasons. Penn names encouraged people to publish their writings. It gave many people the platform they needed in order to publish their opinions without fear of being noticed.
Click here for a list of Benjamin Franklins penn names and their personas.
What a fun post! And that was a great link for further reading. I knew about Silence Dogood, but I had no idea he had so many other pen names. When we're kids, all we learn about Benjamin Franklin is the stupid story about the kite, the key and the lightning storm. He was so much more! As I've read more about Franklin through the years, I truly believe he was one of the most fascinating figures in American history. I'm glad you got to know him a little bit better through your research!
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