The Power of Passivity
Though television and the media in general have an adverse effect on individuals, the news, with its reputation founded on newly constructed museums and monuments congratulating itself and the entire Vietnam war behind it, is unquestionably the most potentially dangerous medium. As described in the article "Parachute Journalism" by S. Wizda, news media has not only the power, but also the means and the drive to reinforce both simplicity and passivity of thought in regard to television, politics, and perhaps life as a whole.Propaganda is a very dangerous thing, and this article is quite eloquent in its retelling of the Timothy MacVeigh saga. Being a perfect example (much like the Columbine story), Gun Town, Kansas provides convenient fodder for the propaganda mac
However, the article was not without its shortcomings. " In approaching a problem like the dominance of propaganda, not presenting the problem in a one-sided manner would seem! fairly important. Because they perceive that society (their producers, in particular) prefers viewers above sincerity (they also being victim to the ideas of embarrassment, low ratings, etc), they feel pressured to avoid any sense of ideals and move towards practicality and fame. For example, creating in Kansas the idea of a simple, ignorant, gun-wielding town reflects the idea that broadcast companies are both short on time and desperate for viewers when creating their by-lines. In most respects, this article is completely satisfactory; it presents and defends an argument, it brings to light an important example of news media at its (near) worst. While this behavior is not desirable, it exists for real reasons, and without accepting those reasons, the problem cannot fizzle. This missed opportunity does not undermine the article completely; it only slightly reinforces the goal of mediocrity that seems to fuel so many publications. If the populace is so unable to realize the problem, then perhaps their brains have been muddled by television beyond the point of retribution, and finding a solution to the problem is beyond the necessity of any argument. Like several critical arguments, Wizda succeeds very quickly at identifying a problem, while failing at presenting a solution. However, in moving beyond a simple finger-pointer and into something greater, it falls short. No shame or lack can be seen in that, merely a hope for something better on the way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**. In considering the idea of propaganda, a more in-depth examination, considered with more understanding and less eagerness to mudsling, would more than likely create a plausible situation that could be improved upon. Given more attention and depth, Wizda could clarify the difference between propaganda and a full-rounded story, instead, it falls somewhere in between, personifying a grey area.
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