Jul 20, 2012

Steve People's "Suggestion"?

See this news article from the Associated Press:



Would you consider that to be an accurate "reporting" of what Obama said. Instead of miss-characterize what he said, why don't "news" organization (and Steve Peoples) just report the facts?


AP implies that Obama used the word "help". However Obama gives 100% of the credit to the community, not the individual. Obama said; "If you've got a business, you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen."


Comments like that are a slap in the face to the American Dream and reveal the President's naïve view that government, and not the hard work, talent, and initiative of people, is the center of society and the economy. Clearly, this President doesn't understand how our economy works.



Given the information you provided, it seems like the belief in question is that the media, and Steve Peoples in particular, are biased in their reporting of President Obama's comments about individual and communal contributions to success. Here are the pros and cons of this belief:


**Pros**

1. Encourages Critical Thinking: This belief promotes skepticism towards media reporting and encourages individuals to critically analyze the news they consume.

2. Promotes Media Accountability: Holding media to account for any perceived biases could lead to more balanced and accurate reporting in the future.

3. Highlights Possible Misinterpretation: By discussing the nuances in President Obama's statements, this belief highlights how comments can be interpreted differently depending on perspective.


**Cons**

1. Potential Overgeneralization: Labeling an entire news organization or an individual as biased based on one instance might oversimplify the complexities inherent in reporting.

2. Misunderstanding of Journalism: While it's important for journalists to be objective, it's also part of their job to provide context and interpretation to the events and statements they're reporting on.

3. Neglects Differing Viewpoints: The belief assumes there is a single "correct" interpretation of President Obama's statements and doesn't acknowledge that different interpretations can be valid.


a) **Beliefs one must also reject to reject this belief**: If you reject this belief, you might also reject the idea that media bias is prevalent or that journalists intentionally distort their reporting.


b) **Alternate expressions**: #MediaBias, #FairReporting, #NewsIntegrity


c) **Objective criteria to measure the strength of this belief**: One could analyze the reporting of different media outlets on the same issue, looking at their choice of words, context provided, and whether they include a variety of viewpoints.


d) **Shared interests between those who agree/disagree**: Both parties are likely interested in accurate, fair reporting and a well-informed public.


e) **Key opposing interests**: Those who agree might be concerned about media accountability and transparency, while those who disagree may be more concerned about defending journalistic freedom and acknowledging the complexity of reporting.


f) **Solutions**: Media literacy education can help the public critically analyze news. Improved transparency in journalistic practices could also alleviate concerns about bias.


g) **Strategies for encouraging commitment to a resolution**: Public dialogue, perhaps in the form of community forums or debates, could foster understanding. Regular audits or reviews of media outlets could also ensure adherence to journalistic standards.