I'm sure that by now, everyone has seen the New York Times' endorsement of Barack Obama.
I can't quite remember a time when the media was ever unbiased. But at least it used to be somewhat subtle.
When did it become alright for the media to be so openly biased? Shouldn't we expect them to give us the truth-- the facts despite whatever their opinions are? There is some amount of human error in this, as it is quite hard for people in general to keep their opinions and beliefs out of their commentary. But to go out of the way to endorse a candidate and his party platform?
It doesn't matter who the candidate/party is, I simply don't believe that news writers should be putting themselves out there politically.
Obviously people will lean toward reading whatever news has a bias toward their party. But doesn't this only contribute to the collective ignorance of the readership (I'm thinking particular of news papers, but it definitely applies to broadcast journalism, and other types)?
More than anything, its the impudence that infuriates me. People will read this endorsement and not think that it is as all untoward. This same gall is what makes me angry at politicians and CEOs.
People in power get away with so much; not because they're slick about it, but because the public doesn't call them out on their wrongdoings. And thats what gets me angry.
3 comments:
You make an interesting point. Papers / media entities have been making endorsements for years, theoretically in the name of suggesting what may be in the interests of society? Is it good enough that they limit the endorsement to the editorial and opinion page? Good point.
By the way, what do you think of Nancy Grace on CNN dissecting criminal cases before charges are frequently even brought?
I feel the same way about teachers/ professors who overtly inject their political beliefs into the classroom. They're in a position of power as authority figures, as sources of information, and as people we are urged to trust, and yet they'll still abuse their power in an attempt to influence our minds, or even bully us into their preferred point of view. Newspapers are no different these days, and being so blatantly biased about Obama only gives his opponents more reasons to accuse him of playing dirty and more fuel to twist undecided voters against him.
Miss reading stuff from you. Are you going to share your thoughts with us later this evening when the election results start coming in.
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