Meaning: This quote, attributed to journalist Hunter S. Thompson, provides a scathing critique of the television industry. Thompson, known for his unapologetic and often controversial writing style, uses vivid and powerful language to convey his disdain for the world of television. In this quote, he characterizes the TV business as "uglier than most things," suggesting a deep-seated revulsion for the industry and the practices it embodies. By painting a bleak and unflattering picture of television, Thompson invites readers to consider the darker underbelly of an industry often glamorized and celebrated.

Thompson's assertion that the TV business is "normally perceived as some kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry" is a striking indictment of the values and priorities he associates with television. Here, he not only criticizes the industry itself but also implicates its impact on journalism as a whole. By characterizing television as a "money trench," he suggests that financial gain takes precedence over journalistic integrity and the pursuit of truth. This portrayal aligns with Thompson's reputation as a journalist who was unafraid to challenge the status quo and call out corruption and moral compromise.

The imagery of a "long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free" conjures a vivid and disturbing scene, evoking a sense of lawlessness and moral decay within the TV industry. By likening the industry to a space where unsavory characters operate with impunity, Thompson further emphasizes his contempt for the perceived lack of ethics and accountability in television. This portrayal also speaks to a broader cultural critique, suggesting that the television industry perpetuates and even thrives on exploitation and dishonesty.

The final part of the quote, "and good men die like dogs, for no good reason," delivers a gut-wrenching blow, underscoring the human cost and senseless tragedy that Thompson associates with the TV business. This grim assertion reinforces the idea that the industry is not only morally bankrupt but also destructive, leading to the demise of honorable individuals without justification or purpose. Thompson's use of this stark imagery serves to elicit an emotional response from the reader, compelling them to confront the bleak realities he sees within the television industry.

It is important to note that Hunter S. Thompson was known for his provocative and hyperbolic style, and his perspectives were often colored by his own experiences and observations. While his words may reflect a deep-seated cynicism towards the television industry, they also serve as a call to action for media consumers and industry professionals to critically examine the ethical and moral implications of their engagement with television. Thompson's quote challenges us to consider the societal and cultural impact of an industry that wields significant influence and power in shaping public discourse and perception.

In conclusion, Hunter S. Thompson's quote on the TV business offers a searing critique of an industry he perceives as rife with moral corruption and ethical decay. Through vivid and evocative language, he paints a grim portrait of television as a realm where greed, exploitation, and disregard for truth reign unchecked. While his perspective may be characterized by its unapologetic cynicism, it prompts us to confront the complexities and consequences of our relationship with television and the broader media landscape. Thompson's words serve as a reminder of the profound influence and responsibility that media holds in shaping our collective consciousness and values.