Media bias spam…
Among this morning’s spam, I received one from the Center of Media Studies of “Buenos Aires-Santiago de Chile.” Their dire warning begins:
The persistent influence of leftist and liberal editors, journalists and reporters of most important media centers in the West, which translates into a bias that misinforms, constitutes a serious problem inherited by the XXI Century, and creates an obstacle to international understanding and coexisting.
Through sophisticated writing techniques, with the help of social psychology and propaganda, relevant issues are distorted or silenced, myths are created and almost instantly the public opinion is emotionally stirred, which in most respects is more dangerous than even chemical or biological weapons because intelligence, will and the sensitivity of the people are being manipulated.
More dangerous than WMDs? Well, okay, as a rhetoric scholar, yes, I think the pen is mightier than the sword in a simplistic, metaphorical sense. But what is really amusing, or infuriating, here is the utter obfuscation of the writer’s own use of the very techniques of rhetoric he/she decries. But, then, we’re all stupid, which is the unstated premise of most media bias crusaders (right, left, or otherwise)
Here’s the conclusion:
Information bias is always reprehensible and it has not only been used by liberals and leftists. However, it is they that have mostly taken advantage of it. To protect oneself against the phenomenon of disinformation and chaotic news, the most affective antidote is the exercise of sound reflection based on logic, common sense, objectivity and the moral convictions which have as their foundation the Commandments of the Law of God.
Those who want a more complicated understanding of bias in the news media should begin their study here.
Okay, this is an easy target and an amusing little Sunday diversion. If you’d like the read the whole thing (including links), click the “MORE…” link below.
From: A serious problem
[lwyfollowthelinks@altavista.net]
To:
[edited out]@rhetorica.net
Subject: How the media distort the news
Carlos Eduardo P
Wow, Andy! Whoever wrote that has a burdensome, pedantic style that does me proud.
Regardless of their style, I’m just happy that somebody south of the equator has rightist leanings. Granted, that’s a given characteristic of Chilean politics, and to a certain extent the higher echelons of Argentinean politics, as well. Outside of these countries, the right is dead.
Thanks for the opportunity to review your exposition regarding media/political bias.
Ben…I think what you’re detecting in the style is the effect of translation from Spanish.
Rightist leanings in S.A. has, shall we say, a rather colorful past. Are you sure you want to be celebrating that?
Does anybody here have any further information on the so-called “Center of Media Studies”? An URL refference? I do agree that SA has quite a drammatic past with rightist leanings.