Blogger Case Study – Johnny Harris
- th1sandth8tcom
- Jun 14
- 7 min read
Resources:
Johnny Harris Youtube Videos Ranked
HM –The Real Story of the Mormon Church, Liberal Hypocrisy is Fueling American Inequality, How Capitalism Changed the Face of War, Why the US Military is Preparing for War with China
An Analysis of Johnny Harris
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When I saw one of my favorite current independent journalists, Johnny Harris, on the list, my decision of who to pick became less of a choice and more of a duty; I jumped at the bit to critique and analyze the work of the blogger/writer for the New York Times & Vox who has built a massive following, reaching the immortal status as a ‘Youtube God’ with over 5 million subscribers. After falling down the Johnny Harris rabbit hole last year, I can safely say that there hasn't been many other creators that have meshed ultra important information into deliverable + entertaining videos with captivating visuals the way Johnny Harris has; and although Harris is known for his audio-visual journalism, it’s worth noting that his videos are a direct reflection of his writing, hidden in verbal form. Throughout the course of my content creation for my website + media brand, I have ranked and reviewed some of my favorite social media accounts, brands, sites, creators, etc, which includes an in depth analysis on ‘Johnny Harris Top 10 Youtube videos’, but this essay will focus more on his writing, namely on his articles published on Vox, ‘How America Became a Superpower’ and "Why Colombia is Losing the Cocaine War’.
The visual journalist, filmmaker and writer for Vox, has carved out a unique niche in the world of digital journalism with his engaging and deeply researched video essays and articles. Harris’ work often explores geopolitical issues and cultural phenomena as he delves into certain topics (IE – The Deep State) or fascinating case studies (IE – the case of Julian Assange) and turns them into entertaining stories with a narrative arc. His narrative voice is a defining feature of his blog and media brand as it is authoritative yet approachable, blending journalistic rigor with a personal, almost conversational tone. This academic yet conversational duality in his voice is one of the reasons readers are drawn to his work—he successfully manages to discuss complex, often weighty topics without alienating his audience. This duality is apparent in "Why Colombia is losing the cocaine war," as he deftly navigates the intricate history of Colombia's drug trade, using clear language and vivid analogies to explain complex concepts. For instance, he likens the government's eradication efforts to "playing whack-a-mole," a relatable image that immediately conveys the futility of current anti-drug policies. Oftentimes Harris begins his articles + videos with a straightforward, no-nonsense tone in order to establish that his work is centered around hard truths / serious topics that should not be shrugged off or degraded by satire. But as the deliverable develops, and after Harris has successfully established his themes + thesis, he will often use quips to build the entertainment aspect of the videos and masterfully weave satire and comedy into topics that normally wouldn’t seem conducive to this type of playfulness. In "How America Became a Superpower," Harris’s tone is more narrative and historical as he takes readers on a journey through time, detailing the key events that led to America’s rise to power. His use of phrases like "Let me take you back to the late 1800s" invites the reader to imagine the past as though they are experiencing it firsthand, naturally enhancing engagement. This ability to shift tone while maintaining a consistent voice is a testament to Harris’s skill as a writer and narrator. Harris establishes his credibility not through academic jargon, but through on-the-ground reporting and visual storytelling (in addition to listing his sources in an attached document for every article/video). In both articles, he uses a combination of historical footage, maps, and his own on-location video to create a rich, multifaceted narrative. This approach lends authenticity to his voice, as readers (and viewers) feel they're getting firsthand insights rather than just rehashed information.
Harris’s content exemplifies some techniques discussed in The Huffington Post Guide to Blogging as he successfully transcends the limitations of traditional print media by leveraging the unique advantages of digital platforms. His blogs are richly layered with multimedia elements—maps, charts, and embedded videos—that enhance the storytelling experience. This integration of visual aids is not just a stylistic choice but a functional one, as it helps to break down complex subjects into more digestible pieces of information. For instance, in the blog on Colombia’s cocaine war, Harris includes maps showing the regions most affected by coca cultivation. These visuals serve as more than just decorations; they are integral to the reader's understanding of the geographical and political dynamics at play. The use of interactive elements, such as video segments where Harris narrates key points, also contributes to the blog's "blogginess" by making the content more accessible and engaging than a traditional article. Moreover, Harris’s blogs are well-suited to the digital format because of their episodic nature. Each post can stand alone but also fits into a larger narrative or theme that he is exploring (specifics of which I will discern in the last paragraph). This episodic approach encourages readers to return for more, much like a serial drama, which is a hallmark of effective blogging. Harris also employs a more personal, direct style of address than one might find in a traditional print publication. Whether on camera or through his writing diction, he appears to be speaking directly to the viewer, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. This personal touch, combined with his clear, jargon-free explanations, embodies the best aspects of blogging: accessibility, personality, and engagement.
Harris’s audience is diverse, comprising individuals who are interested in global politics/phenomenon, history, and cultural studies. His ability to appeal to both casual readers and those with more specialized knowledge is one of his strengths. He accomplishes this by striking a balance between providing detailed, factual content and ensuring that it remains accessible, which ties back to his authoritative yet approachable narrative voice blending journalistic rigor with a personal, conversational tone. Essentially, his target audience is anyone that is curious about world affairs but may not have extensive background knowledge as his content appeals to viewers who appreciate nuanced explanations of complex issues but prefer them delivered in an engaging, visually rich format. In ‘How America Became a Superpower’, Harris reaches out to a broad audience by framing the narrative in a way that is both informative and engaging as he does not assume prior knowledge of historical events, making the blog suitable for someone new to the topic; this is exemplified in the beginning of the blog as he thoroughly explains seemingly simple context like why “expansionism was always in America’s DNA” (because of the Trail of Tears) and how the Industrial Revolution is what tipped the scale for expansionism in the post Civil War era. Harris also indirectly appeals to his audience by addressing contemporary issues through the lens of history or geopolitics. This approach not only educates his readers but also encourages them to think critically about current events. For example, by examining Colombia's struggle to limit cocaine production, Harris prompts readers to consider broader questions about the efficacy of international drug policies and the socio-economic factors that perpetuate these issues. He takes it even a step further and allows for the first hand perspective of the families in rural Colombia that rely on the coca leaf as their only means of income in order to go deeper into the cocaine economy to discover why the issues surrounding the drug are so complex. He reaches beyond his core audience by tackling topics with broad appeal – like the war on drugs or American power – and presenting them in a fresh, visually compelling way. The use of eye-catching thumbnails and provocative titles (like "Why Colombia is losing the cocaine war") helps draw in casual browsers who might not typically seek out geopolitical content. At the same time that he’s able to draw in a more casual audience, the depth of his research and the inclusion of lesser-known facts and analyses make it appealing to readers with a more advanced understanding of the subject; for example in his narrative of how America became a global superpower, he speaks to how the post ww2 global financial system, Bretton Woods, aimed at coordinating the global economy and preventing another Great Depression — and the United Nations, created to preserve the postwar peace. Again, it is this academic yet conversational duality that allows Harris to draw in such a broad audience of amateurs and connoisseurs alike.
The thematic thread that connects Harris’s blogs is his exploration of power dynamics—whether it be in the context of international relations, as seen in "How America became a superpower," or in the socio-economic struggles of a nation like Colombia. Harris consistently delves into how historical events shape the present and influence the future, making this the overarching purpose of his work. Both blogs I analyzed in this essay are indicative of Harris’ ability to effectively tie individual events to larger patterns and trends, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. The overarching theme connecting Harris's work is a desire to unpack complex global issues and reveal the often-overlooked historical contexts that shape our world today. In both the Colombia and America pieces, he delves into the historical roots of current situations, challenging simplistic narratives. In "Why Colombia is losing the cocaine war," Harris goes beyond the typical drug war narrative to explore the economic and social factors that perpetuate coca cultivation. He argues that the issue is more complex than a simple law enforcement problem, tying it to broader themes of rural development and global demand for cocaine. Similarly, in "How America became a superpower," Harris traces the long arc of American expansionism, connecting it to current foreign policy debates. By drawing these connections, he encourages viewers to think critically about the historical forces shaping contemporary geopolitics.
Overall, Harris’s blogs stand out for their strong voice, effective use of digital media, and ability to engage a wide audience. His focus on power dynamics provides a consistent thematic foundation, making his work both relevant and resonant in today’s complex global landscape. Whether discussing the failures of Colombia’s drug policies or the historical roots of America’s global dominance, Harris’s blogs are exemplary in their ability to inform, engage, and provoke thoughtful reflection. By combining rigorous research with engaging multimedia storytelling, he creates content that is both informative and highly shareable. His approach demonstrates how digital platforms can be leveraged to make complex global issues accessible to a broad audience, potentially inspiring viewers to seek out even more in-depth information on these topics. Harris's work serves as an effective gateway to understanding the complexities of our interconnected world.
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