»» Columnists

The AP Mistakes Roland Martin’s Ascots For A Serious News Story, Writes Feature

by Frances Martel | 10:00 am, May 15th, 2010

» 12 comments

The Associated Press, one of the most respected journalistic enterprises in the world, has put the might of its reputation and all its resources behind a cutting-edge, breathtaking exposé on… Roland Martin‘s ascots. The CNN commentator, who captivated the writers of the Daily Show and recruited colleague Rick Sanchez into the ascot revolution, is the focus of an AP report entitled “Ascot Ascendant? Martin Eyes Neckwear Comeback”, and it is unclear from the tone whether the author is aware that he is not writing a serious story.

Here is how the article begins, with all the gravitas of an eyewitness report from the frontlines in Afghanistan:

Roland Martin is talking revolution in this buttoned-down town.

“We’re going to do this one by one, person by person, block by block,” the talk show host and TV personality says.

Martin’s revolution has nothing to do with health care, bank bailouts or federal spending. It’s all about the lush puff of maroon silk underneath his chin.

An ascot …

Once the proud mark of an aristocrat, now an act of rebellion inside the Beltway.

Author Henry Jackson tries to inject some humor into the piece to prove he, too, finds the phenomenon hilarious– and maybe he does!– but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he actually did research “on the ground” in Washington, DC, searching for a guide to public opinion on Martin’s curious neckwear. He interviews DC professionals for a response to the ascot (the reaction is mixed) and even visited a proper neckwear shop to get an expert’s opinion.

Which brings us to an interesting crossroad in media– and specifically, internet– history: if the AP is aware of a meme, but treats it as a serious news story, has the meme jumped the shark? Is the AP capable of writing a story without inherently making it an important national issue? And what do we have to do, as responsible American citizens who love our country, to stop the growing tide of what was once an amusing cable news sideshow that has now become a monster all its own? Given that Martin has already hinted that he’s interested in going into the neckwear design business himself, this is probably just the beginning of what will inevitably be a entire segment’s worth of VH1′s I Love The 2010s.

[Photo courtesy of Roland Martin's Ascot Care Package To Jon Stewart On RolandSMartin.com]

AP, ascots, CNN, daily show, Henry Jackson, neckwear, rick sanchez, Roland Martin, Washington

http://www.facebook.com/people/Rachel-Sklar/700295563 Rachel Sklar

Wow. Whoever took that photo was standing right next to me last year in the lobby of the Hilton after the WHCD. Proof is in this shot, which I took for the Daily Beast: http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/256/1/?redirectURL=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-05-10/why-the-nerd-prom-matters/

Hi-larious.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rachel-Sklar/700295563 Rachel Sklar

Upon further reflection, inspection and research, I realized that the person who took that photo was….ME. Roland Martin gave me his camera. Hi-larious.

My full WHCD set from last year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelsklar/sets/72157617855414311/ – I was talking to Martin, then we saw Steele, I was there to catch his hug with Steele and then I got a pic of them. With two cameras. Too too funny.
http://www.abramsresearch.com/ Dan Abrams

Frances, I don’t get it? Why can’t the AP do a softer “featurey” story? Do they have to only focus on wars, politics and mayhem while all the rest get to mix it up?

As was said in the classic Bill Murray movie Stripes: “Lighten up Frances.” (ha)
badr

Yes Abrams, they do. Or at least they should. Not that it matters, we all know they’re just another wing of the Democratic party.
Frances Martel

I’m not saying they can’t, I just found it amusing that they went about it like a serious investigative piece, with “man on the street” interviews and expert opinions and their usual serious tone. It’s like using the scientific method to figure out how to make Easy Mac, which, yes, adds to the hilarity, but they could have loosened up a bit on this one and I don’t think anyone would have faulted them.

And, for the record, I have a bias in favor of ascots. I think they look great, though I’ve seen and read Brideshead Revisited way more times than I should probably admit, so that may be why I don’t think they look so weird. Am I alone in this?
http://www.emiwardrobeconsulting.com suitsman

As an Image & Wardrobe Consultant, I think this is a very good look for those that can pull it off. The ascot is a timeless fashion statement, that has, and will continue to be around for a long time. I am willing to work with Mr. Martin, on his mission, to show that real swagger can be done with an ascot. I get compliments all the time when i wear mine. Mr. Martin, again, I am asking, if there is any help you need with your vision, (which is mine also), please contact me through my website at http://www.emiwardrobeconsulting.com. I look forward to hearing from you and anyone that is interested in the ascot, bow tie, or wide knot look.
AmericanCowboy

…‹(•¿•)›…‹(•¿•)›…‹(•¿•)›..Support “Legal Only” Immigration..‹(•¿•)›…‹(•¿•)›…‹(•¿•)›…

“Buycott” not Boycutt…Buycott Arizona. Visit the Great State of Arizona this year. I have planned a trip to Scottsdale for June. Scottsdale has some amazing resorts, great restaurants and shopping, a wild nightlife and some of the greatest golf courses on earth. They also have the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Let’s support the Great State by spending money there. Vote out politicians who don’t support legal immigration and want to boycott this state. Business owners buy Arizona products!!!!
Sue

“….The Associated Press, one of the most respected journalistic enterprises in the world…”..who decided that imbecilic nonsense? Do you guys understand what the previous sentence means? Most people are nuts to believe any such thing! Geez, talk about stupid is as stupid does….
http://www.facebook.com/people/Roland-S-Martin/528140570 Roland S. Martin

Truth be told, Frances, your article had a more serious news tone than the AP piece. My goodness, can folks in the media actually do fun articles that make light of stuff?

And when I made the revolution remark, I was treating it like a campaign – you know, going door-to-door in DC?

Lighten up and enjoy the fun! Everything about journalism doesn’t have to be serious. And thank the goodness the AP has a sense of humor.
shootfromthehip

Henry Jackson gets docked two neckties for not remembering Craig Kilborn’s awesome “Ascot Fridays” from a few years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InUbK_Sg6AQ

How quickly we forget the man who truly brought back the ascot!

Kilby was and remains an American hero, never forget.

;)
http://none pyrope

How freaking boring
Frances Martel

Really? I’m the only one that found it funny that the AP’s attempt at loosening up was so… academic? I’m not saying they shouldn’t have fun, and I have no idea how that came across, I just think that when their attempt at “having fun” involves such thorough journalism then maybe they’re not having as much fun as they should be!