Spring Break
Mass media's bias, propaganda leads to misinformation
Ali Mirza
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: Commentary
Nearly a decade after the dawn of the 21st century, the U.S. finds itself in the midst of unprecedented challenges. Traumatized by two wars, natural disaster and economic turmoil, America is undoubtedly at a critical juncture.
Before the election of Barack Obama, many Americans had slipped into a haze of hopelessness. Dissatisfaction with economic circumstances, dysfunctional health care and a foreign policy that has garnered the anger and ill will of much of the world had led the American people to question our very identity in light of our ideals and role in the world.
With the election of a new administration that seems more pragmatic, Americans are more hopeful of a new way forward. With a desire to re-examine long held policies and return America to its honorable constitutional ideals, it's almost as if the American people wish to pick up the pieces of a disastrous decade and seek a new beginning.
Our current predicament requires that we examine just why we are where here. Why is our political system so dysfunctional? Why are our troops fighting in wars that most oppose? Why are the interests of society's elite protected and promoted, while the needs and wants of the majority go unheard?
One of the main factors is the media machine. Corporate media has become the central mouthpiece of corporate dictated policies through the misinformation, manipulation and brainwashing of the American public.
No serious individual would dispute the fact that, if it weren't for the barrage of propaganda and exploitation of our ignorance post-Sept. 11, the chance of Iraq's being invaded would have been smaller. The very fact that, prior to the invasion, half or more Americans thought Iraq was involved in the Sept. 11 attacks, perhaps the most media-covered event in our history, stands as a horrific indictment of U.S. media today. Even the so-called liberal bastion of U.S. media, The New York Times, was fully on board in its advocacy of illegal aggression.
Before the election of Barack Obama, many Americans had slipped into a haze of hopelessness. Dissatisfaction with economic circumstances, dysfunctional health care and a foreign policy that has garnered the anger and ill will of much of the world had led the American people to question our very identity in light of our ideals and role in the world.
With the election of a new administration that seems more pragmatic, Americans are more hopeful of a new way forward. With a desire to re-examine long held policies and return America to its honorable constitutional ideals, it's almost as if the American people wish to pick up the pieces of a disastrous decade and seek a new beginning.
Our current predicament requires that we examine just why we are where here. Why is our political system so dysfunctional? Why are our troops fighting in wars that most oppose? Why are the interests of society's elite protected and promoted, while the needs and wants of the majority go unheard?
One of the main factors is the media machine. Corporate media has become the central mouthpiece of corporate dictated policies through the misinformation, manipulation and brainwashing of the American public.
No serious individual would dispute the fact that, if it weren't for the barrage of propaganda and exploitation of our ignorance post-Sept. 11, the chance of Iraq's being invaded would have been smaller. The very fact that, prior to the invasion, half or more Americans thought Iraq was involved in the Sept. 11 attacks, perhaps the most media-covered event in our history, stands as a horrific indictment of U.S. media today. Even the so-called liberal bastion of U.S. media, The New York Times, was fully on board in its advocacy of illegal aggression.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
orlando
posted 2/23/09 @ 12:02 PM EST
the whole media industry is shot.
if anything..the only true way of looking at things is getting multiple sources. Each morning...i go to upwards of 5 different sites. (Continued…)
UConn Bob
posted 2/23/09 @ 4:35 PM EST
Am I confused? Isn't this piece a prime example of propaganda which the author condemns? Thoughtful UConn readers won't be deceived.
George Patsourakos
George Patsourakos
posted 2/23/09 @ 5:43 PM EST
For a UConn writer to believe that corporations control the mass media seems to be unrealistic. Corporations may have some influence in some of the news that is published or broadcast; however, in the final analysis, it is the news reporter -- usually with the approval of his or her supervisor -- who writes a news article that will be published or broadcast!
Webby
posted 2/24/09 @ 9:37 AM EST
George, you, in fact, have it exactly the opposite as to how it really is.
See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlyb1Bx9Ic
Ben Wall
posted 3/02/09 @ 10:35 AM EST
To George, this is not a matter of belief, this is a matter of fact. If you haven't read up I suggest you do your research and see for yourself how very few corporations control 99% of major media outlets in the United States alone, not to mention worldwide. (Continued…)
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