Welcome to the third and final chapter of Media and the Truth. If you have yet to read parts One and Two, please do so now.
Here they are:
Part One
Part Two
As usual – remember the bookmarks. See how nice I am??
OK – On to the Article~
Part 3 – The Perception of Reality
1. A History Lesson
Before the internet, before Twitter, Facebook, Snap Chat and every other online platform, all we had for our information was via word of mouth and newspapers.
It was only after the mid 15th century with the invention of the greatly improved printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, did things begin to change.
Back then, all that was required for anyone to share their knowledge, opinions, ideology and yes, even lies – was the money to pay for the printing and distribution for whatever they wanted to write. So, Truth in the printed word was hazy at best.
We find a good example of this by jumping ahead a few hundred years to the election of George Washington as the first President of the United States. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were part of his cabinet and both fought bitterly on a regular basis concerning the direction each wanted the country to go.
Hamilton wanted a strong central government and Jefferson believed that most of the power should belong to the states. Both Hamilton and Jefferson had like minded friends and supporters which was the beginning of Party Politics. Hamilton called himself and his supporters “Federalists,” while Jefferson and his supporters called themselves “Democratic Republicans.”
Hamilton then started a newspaper which he used to vilify Jefferson and his allies constantly.
Jefferson responded by helping start a newspaper of his own attacking not only Hamilton, but John Adams and George Washington as well.
Jefferson, realizing his efforts were not winning over the President, resigned his cabinet position and went home. He canceled his newspaper subscriptions and settled back into life on the farm.
It all started back up again when Jefferson made the decision to run for President when Washington refused to run for a third term in 1796.
The race was between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Once good friends who had since parted ideological ways due to which way each felt the US should be governed.
Even by today’s standards, it was a brutal and contentious race with newspapers for each side fueling the battle for votes. Truth had very little to do with all the mud and accusations the papers fed to whoever was willing to take the time to read them. In the end, John Adams won by just 3 electoral votes. And with the rules in place at the time – Jefferson – by losing the election – became Vice President. (which he came to loathe.)
It became even worse during the Presidential election of 1800 when Jefferson again decided to run against John Adams (who was seeking a second term.) The race was not just between the two candidates running, but also between the publications who supported each candidate doing their best to sway public opinion by any means necessary.
Again, the truth had very little to do with it.
End of history lesson.
I use this example (with the source of this information being the documentary, Thomas Jefferson by Ken Burns), as a starting point to show that “Truth” in what people read through the printed word, especially in regards to politics has been skewed since the beginning of politics. By the way… there is a lot more to the story of Thomas Jefferson. I highly recommend the documentary.
As we all know too well – it continues to this very day. More so now because six corporations (owning most of all mainstream media) control what is seen, read and heard. Add Big Tech to the mix and that covers just about everything.
2. Mainstream Media vs Truth
Misdirection, Misinformation and outright lies seem to be the bulk of news we as consumers have been consuming these days. (More like the past 15 years.)
Is this new? Absolutely not. As we’ve seen in the previous segment, this has gone on for literally centuries. However, there’s a difference.
The news people received back in the 19th century was primarily from just a few local papers backed by one side or the other. In fact, Thomas Jefferson had to go as far as starting his own newspaper just so he could malign John Adams during his election.
Today? The news of today eclipses the news of the past by leaps and bounds. Even William Randolph Hearst, (being the King of Media for his day) could not have imagined how powerful media would become.
As consumers of said media, we only have ourselves to blame. No one is putting a gun to your head demanding you change the channel to CNN or run out and purchase the Times.
It’s the Media Circle of Life. We fuel the media by giving them our attention and they fuel our beliefs by reporting only stories which support them. It doesn’t matter if the stories they report are false as the media are under no obligation (legally or otherwise) to tell you the truth. And Heaven help the Media if they report a story which challenges that which they’ve come to believe over a period of time. That’s a BIG No no. Twitter and the cancel culture would NOT be pleased.
Included in this “Circle of Life” is reporting on certain stories that will bring on the birth of brand new beliefs. Again, it doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. They’ll find someone who [they] can declare an “Expert” (even though it’s doubtful most of us have ever heard of the individual or their qualifications) who will back up the story being reported.
A perfect example of this (though there are many) is the Media’s constant reporting on Trump and his comments he supposedly made in regards to Charlottesville. Biden – amazingly enough – repeated this lie just recently. It baffles the mind why many here in the US still to this day – actually believe (and cling) to this blatant lie. It baffles me even more when Trump’s entire statement is there on You-Tube for everyone to see, yet people still believe the lie.
So any individual – with any common sense – with one iota of critical thinking – has to ask the question.
Why is it, that what seems to be a very large part of the American public, cling with dear life, to beliefs that are time and time again proven to be completely untrue? Even when the proof of lies they have been told are set out right in front of them?
And secondly – why is it that many of these American’s responses are – when confronted with a truth which can’t be disputed – is anger? It truly is astonishing.
I can only conclude that many on the left simply refuse to believe or even consider anything that challenges their beliefs. They have completely closed themselves off to even a credible hint that they could be mistaken. They just don’t want to hear it. Kinda sad when you think about it.
This is why you see colleges and universities restricting conservative voices on campuses. The left now considers any speech that doesn’t support their views as hate speech and by virtue of this, must not be shared. But the opposite is fine with them because in their minds, they are the “enlightened ones” and everyone else is just pure evil and must be converted or destroyed.
The most laughable part about all this is when you walk up and try to have a conversation with a diehard liberal mainstream media consumer – in other words, the left – and ask them why they believe the way they do, There are basically two responses you receive.
1. Because…. (that’s pretty much it….) because…. Then they get angry be being asked in the first place or worse, having to explain themselves. (Heaven forbid!) How DARE you question what they believe and why! Where’s the rope!?!?
2. They will simply regurgitate CNN’s and the rest’s talking points as the reason. But don’t ask any follow-up questions or they’ll immediately jump back to response number 1. (and continue searching for that rope.)
Let’s do a little word association game here, shall we?
In the realm of politics, I will mention one word and you get to choose between two responses. The responses are between either liberal or conservative. Ready?
The word is….. “Sheep”. (Be honest now)
If your response was liberal – give the man (or woman) a cigar. (If you’ve never heard of the phrase “Give the man a cigar!” when a question was answered correctly then you are either too young, or I’m too old, (most likely the latter.)
In any event, you would be correct. Which begs the question, why is that? Now, if you are a conservative, you already know the answer. If you’re a liberal, you’re probably STILL looking for that rope.
I also find it interesting that if on the rare occasion a conservative does have a normal conversation with a liberal, the one topic you’ll never see brought up by the liberal is why conservatives believe the way they do. Again, why is that?
The obvious answer is that liberals have absolutely no desire to hear any opposing view. Especially if it challenges their own. It’s just not done in civilized society…. right? Right.
Main Stream Media, CNN and the like are fully aware of this. Don’t think for a minute that they’re not. And by the way – this includes liberal politicians.
Again – you have to ask why. This would be a great thesis for a psychology major.
What, in my humble opinion could be a factor is that those – who are defined as “the left” and these days you have to include democrats in general – are easily manipulated. It is a mindset.
The Democrat Party proclaims it is a “Big Tent” party, so you have to consider exactly “who” this Big Tent covers. That’s a scary thought. Either way, to my mind, most seem to be easily manipulated. Hence the label, “Sheep.” And the media is right there behind them, making sure they remain that way. They are the sheepherders.
To accomplish this – the media only reports news that reinforces the liberal belief system. They refuse to report on anything that could evoke a challenge or dismiss it completely as right wing craziness without (and here’s what’s comical) ….. without explaining why.
The media no longer feel they have to explain anything to their loyal viewers/readers. Just repeat the headlines and give scripted perspectives and talking points. That’s enough for liberals. That’s why they all repeat the same things. Whether it’s CNN, ABC, CBS etc… etc…. they all repeat the same things. Over… and over… and over. Here are just a few examples:
Another example: The Headline reads, Kayleigh McEnany scolds reporters at briefing for ignoring Eric Swalwell, Hunter Biden stories and as a response, CNN’s far-left White House reporter Jim Acosta shouted, “Isn’t it hypocritical for you to accuse others of disinformation when you spread it every day?” (NOTE* Scroll across to the 29:00 mark to watch the comment and response.)
This is typical MSM playbook tactics. Instead of answering a direct question, or in this particular instance, a statement, the reporter’s response (like most) is addressing the question or statement with a blanket statement. “Whataboutism” at it’s best.
3. The Perception of Reality
Sneakers – 1992
“Everything in this world, including money doesn’t operate on reality – [but the perception of reality.] Posit – People think a bank might be financially shaken. Consequence – People start withdrawing their money from said bank. Result – Pretty soon the bank becomes financially shaky. Conclusion – It can make banks fail.”
The dialogue above is from the film “Sneakers” – 1992. Great movie – if you haven’t seen it, I recommend doing so.
Interesting thought… isn’t it? The dialogue above illustrates the tremendous power the media actually have. And in many cases, it all begins with a rumor. Someone overheard something from someone and the media runs with it. And what once began as nothing from an anonymous source, perhaps even orchestrated – can destroy just about anything or anyone. What’s even more interesting is this movie is 28 years old! The dialogue is just as applicable today, as it was 28 years ago.
As William Randolph Hearst said….
4. Media Rules to Live By
Remember – the Media can literally get away with saying anything they like as long as one or more of the list of words below are incorporated within the headline and/or article. Here are just a few:
- Could
- Possibly
- If true
- May
- Might
- Appears
- I think
- Believe
The words above should raise a red flag with the reader. Anytime you see these words in an article that purports itself as truth should raise a great deal of speculation. Because when you see these words, it lends itself to be more of an opinion than anything else.
If articles are opinion articles – then that’s fine. We are aware that what we are reading is someone’s opinion. What convinces us to agree or disagree with the opinion is the argument the writer makes.
Interestingly enough, many articles we’ve been seeing lately – very little – if any argument is made or it’s anonymously sourced. It’s the headline, that’s all that matters and for the most part, with the left – that’s enough.
The line is now so blurred between news and opinion, you can no longer tell the difference between them. Think this is just an accident? Nope.
Cable news is all about ratings and Internet News is all about “Clicks.” Considering the bottom line of all of this is money through advertising – it is in their best interests to cater to their viewers and clickers. Again – Truth has very little to do with it. Throughout history – it never did.
5. Fox News vs. Everyone Else
If you’ve read any of my articles here on A Basket of Fish, it should come as no surprise that I am an independent conservative. But more than that, I believe in critical thinking and common sense and in every article I write, I do my best to make the argument for the article.
Whether you’re a liberal, Conservative, Democrat or a Republican – you should NEVER use Party Politics as a sole excuse for why you believe the way you do.
From what I’ve seen over the years – especially in this last year – the media counts on your bias as your excuse. To a lesser extent – even Fox News. However, the main difference I’ve seen on Fox is they attempt to make the argument whereas the [rest] are only concerned with the headlines.
Time and time again – CNN and the rest have been proven completely wrong with their headlines as you’ll see in the montage below.
This is not so much the case at Fox. Do I always agree with everything the pundits say on Fox? No. But again – they attempt the argument and leave it up to the viewer to come to their own conclusions. That’s the difference.
Is Hannity biased? Of course he is! Take a minute – put aside your dislike for Fox and just listen to the arguments. If you’re not a Tucker Carlson – Hannity – Laura Ingraham or Greg Gutfeld fan or viewer, many of their shows include segments exposing the Media – their lies and misinformation. Here are a couple.
If you’re a liberal – just grit your teeth and watch.
Epilog
There are a couple of quotes that I feel are more important today than they were when they were said.
Edgar Allan Poe
and long before Poe, there was
Buddha Siddhartha Guatama Shakyamuni
Confucius as well
Inspiration we can all use.
When it comes to the media, I am reminded of the comment Stephen Colbert said on his show that went viral and was amplified on liberal media.
The Headline:
Stephen Colbert Says Donald Trump’s Mouth Is ‘Vladimir Putin’s Cock Holster’
It has become more than obvious his statement was entirely false. My response would be –
To the contrary, from what I’ve seen. CNN, MSNBC, The View, Late Night TV and the rest – including Colbert with his recent interview – have been eagerly giving Joe Biden a “Journalistic Blowjob” for the last 14 months and continue to do so to this day.
Anyone surprised? I didn’t think so.
