CornerScribe

Objectivity is an illusion

Here’s an article about Fox running a special this weekend about radical Islam and its desire to attack the US. The twist here is that this serves, in the author’s mind, as “proof” that Fox isn’t objective.

Does anyone still believe any media outlet IS objective?

Some, of course, will argue that they try to maintain objectivity, but the reality is that it’s pretty easy to tell which side a reporter and/or news organization falls on. The questions asked, the questions unasked, even the tone of voice and facial expressions give it away. I doubt that many people are so naive as to believe in media objectivity any longer.

So why don’t the major media outlets just “fess up” and declare their allegiances?

I think it’s more honest and ethical to state your biases up front. That allows listeners to weigh what you report, and don’t report, in light of what your beliefs and agenda are. Of course, I’m not naive enough to believe that will happen any time soon.

But what if it did?

What if all media outlets admitted their bias? What would that do to and for viewers/listeners/readers? Would we consume only what agrees with our beliefs, or would we seek out the opposing viewpoint? I don’t know about you, but I think I know the answer to that one; we’d read and listen to and watch the reporting that made us feel right.

And what does that say about us, as a society?

Yes, yes, I’m on a bit of a rant, but this year’s NaNo novel touches on some of these ideas, albeit loosely, so this type of article really jumps out at me now.

By the way, if you’re interested in reading a very humorous (and thought provoking) blog, take a look at the Dilbert Blog. Scott Adams has a knack for making everything controversial, and he really enjoys tweaking his readers.