But ironically, although the role of al Qaeda is prominent in most 9/11 accounts, there is little critical examination of the claims made on its behalf. Each new "claim" of support or responsibility is taken at face value, at least in mainstream accounts appearing the the Western press. Few people even ask if the people issuing messages are who they claim to be. If, for example, a report emerges that Osama bin Laden has said this or that, the press pays attention mostly to what is said and very little thought appears to be given as to who did or did not say it. Yet, it would appear that verifying the authenticity of such stories would be important if we wish to understand the big picture. This would especially appear to be so since some reports suggest that bin Laden is no longer alive. (The BBC has a story about that question here.)
A perhaps a slightly related item appearing recently in USA Today. The story reported how psychologists argue that "propaganda works better than you think." (Read the story here.)
Most of us assume that propaganda and other forms of media manipulation work only on other people. As individuals, we assume that we're mostly immune. But if the findings in this story are correct, then we should take another look at that assumption.
In fact, we need to be critical consumers when it comes to information and opinion that we receive through any of the media sources that surround us. Modern news organizations, challenged by eroding audiences and declining revenues, too often take short cuts when it comes to confirming the information and analyses they pass along. What we, as news consumers, see is too often incomplete or even in accurate. In such times, we need to use caution in assuming we know the whole story.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment