OPINIONS
Media manipulation filters what the public sees, hears
“Outfoxed” is a documentary compiled from the liberal view point of filmmaker Robert Greenwald.
According to www.outfoxed.org, this documentary reveals the secrets of former Fox News reporters, producers, bookers and writers who expose what it’s like to work for Fox News. These former Fox employees talk about how they were forced to push a “right-wing” point of view or risk their jobs. In the case of one reporter, by not making Ronald Regan’s birthday seem like a celebrated day in history, caused suspension from the job on his part.After watching the film, I thought a lot about democracy and the fundamental principles that America is built on.
As Americans, we are fortunate to have a system that protects freedom of speech and freedom of press. Our civil rights make this nation stand apart from others and they define who we are.
The rights to freedom of speech and freedom of press are more than just abstract concepts written in our Bill of Rights, they are worth preserving and fighting for. However, when the media is allowed to distort reality and portray it as truth, they have entered into dangerous territory.
When I think of the term ‘journalism,’ I think of objectivity, fairness, but most importantly, I think of truth. We turn on the news and read the newspaper to be informed on current events locally, nationally and globally. While many of these daily events do not affect our individual lives directly, there is a significant indirect impact that make knowing these issues vital.
But what happens when we are not informed on factual events but rather fed conservative coated propaganda? We become ignorant, unknowing and blind. When America is in this state, we are unable to make informed decisions and therefore are unable to make an informed vote at the election polls.
The Fox News Organization is threatening more than just news; it is attempting to destroy journalism, democracy, and every American’s ability to make an educated decision about the direction of this nation. They do so all the while claiming to be “fair and balanced.”
The United States is often referred to as a melting pot which incorporates countless cultures, races and religions. How can this news corporation claim to be “fair and balanced” when only a portion of people and principles are represented?
I have seen “Outfoxed” several times and it never ceases to amaze me. So much time and research was committed to make this film and if the creators of this documentary have tried this hard to get a message across, there is definitely something worth pondering for its viewers.
Volume
44, Issue 9. Today is
Kimberly Bryant
Mesa Legend