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5 Ways to Spot a B.S. Political Story in Under 10 Seconds
It appears that even some of our esteemed colleagues from this above-average forum have fallen prey to the tactics described in the linked article. I hope that you can look at yourselves honestly and analyze whether you have succumbed to the lure of popular media and team politics or not. No one can tell you whether you are in the pool with the rest of them, but take some time somewhere along the way and be a little introspective about why you think the way you do and where your opinions are coming from. And keep in mind that the media is not your friend.
Partisan politics is not just a function of certain groups. The media keeps the game going too, mainly to keep the feelings of anger and offense going so that they can make money. (There's some secondary reasons too, of course.) So, is the solution to fix the media or to fix the consumers? Fixing the media isn't likely to happen, as they are just responding to how people work. Fixing the consumers isn't likely to happen as people generally aren't introspective and aren't aware that they are being manipulated, but that is where I do try to put some effort into waking people up (even those who are aware that they aren't aware and don't care to change). Or do you have a third option?
It appears that even some of our esteemed colleagues from this above-average forum have fallen prey to the tactics described in the linked article. I hope that you can look at yourselves honestly and analyze whether you have succumbed to the lure of popular media and team politics or not. No one can tell you whether you are in the pool with the rest of them, but take some time somewhere along the way and be a little introspective about why you think the way you do and where your opinions are coming from. And keep in mind that the media is not your friend.
Partisan politics is not just a function of certain groups. The media keeps the game going too, mainly to keep the feelings of anger and offense going so that they can make money. (There's some secondary reasons too, of course.) So, is the solution to fix the media or to fix the consumers? Fixing the media isn't likely to happen, as they are just responding to how people work. Fixing the consumers isn't likely to happen as people generally aren't introspective and aren't aware that they are being manipulated, but that is where I do try to put some effort into waking people up (even those who are aware that they aren't aware and don't care to change). Or do you have a third option?
(no subject)
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Date: 3/5/12 17:39 (UTC)I was actually only thinking of 2 people on this forum when I wrote this post, but even then it wasn't directed at them. That's part of why this forum is above average, because we don't generally give in to the knee-jerk responses to media "news", although everyone does it at some point.
What the responses make obvious is that some people are a little vain (http://www.links2love.com/lyrics_youre_so_vain_carly_simon.htm).
What's funny is that you think that's what the post is about. Because it means you missed the point.
(no subject)
Date: 3/5/12 18:26 (UTC)I find I owe you an apology. And given that it should be public, I am doing it in public.
Mea culpa. No: mea maxima culpa.
Sometimes, the tone of a post or an argument can rankle more than the content. You are correct in that we all should look at our levels of partisanship, especially now, in an election year, when people are more polarised than ever. The appearance of lofty condescension in his previous post may not have been intentional. And I am hardly one to speak in tones other than those of lofty condescension: so my hypocrisy is doubly unbearable. Form, content, and meaning, are often mistaken one for the other, and that I should be guilty of such error is shameful.
However,
My mistake.
I shall leave the weregild due for you to decide upon.
J9F.
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Date: 4/5/12 19:06 (UTC)I wish I had shown the same generosity.