Do blogs remove bias?

             When you’re in a course like Media and Politics, it seems like the goals of the class include coming to the conclusion that bias exists and learning how to be perceptive of its occurrence. In this way, we’ll be the active and responsible citizen we know we are. While time and time again, we note the existence of bias in mainstream media outlets, the agendas and leanings of the news we see, read, and hear, we persevere because of the hope that comes along with the new era of digital technology. WE learned that very few corporations own the major media outlets, and it’s really rather frightening to see how such a small amount of influence controls what comes our way. However, with the ever expanding internet, and specifically the rise of blogs, more and more people are granted the ability to give over the news they see important in the way they think is right.  And the millions upon millions of people search the web have the ability to be exposed to an array of news sources thanks to this new digital age.

                However, in class during the discussion about our blogging, we learned that most bloggers are well-educated, of high socio-economic status, male, and white, as are the readers of blogs. Blogs, despite what they are supposed to be in theory, are in reality an elite phenomenon. The average citizen is not necessarily involved in them. You have to actively seek information; you have the time to be interested, and the luxury to care. So even with the potential of the internet, we are still running into the same problems, though on a smaller scale. Nevertheless, it’s rather frustrating. That’s of course looking at it from the pessimist’s angle, and it’s important to be aware of this inherent bias in blogs as well.  But despite this statistic qualifying the blogging population, we still must note the strides we have taken, and realize that it can only go up from here. While most bloggers may be white males from the middle class, there are miles between them and the corporation owners who control mainstream media outlets.

Obama's Two state solution

          So for Jewish Heritage Month, Obama decides to endorse, what CNN states as ” the long-held but rarely stated U.S. support for a future Palestinian state based on borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war.” Well, it’s clear where CNN long holds their support, though I’d have to disagree on the rarely-stated element for them. CNN did make sure to emphasize that Obama reiterated his unwavering U.S. support for Israel’s security, though some may consider the two mutually exclusive, and is even  going to endorse “major negotiating  positions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.” So thoughtful, really. 

                Throughout the article security is constantly mentioned. Obama, Tony Blair, the reporters at CNN all do not want to undermine that need for Israel to feel secure. They reemphasize and reiterate plenty. But the naïve reader may wonder why a two-state solution would make Israel feel insecure in the first place? I mean – isn’t the point to promote peace and serenity. The article fails to mention anywhere, why in fact, Israel may need this security. The article does not mention the potential negative ramifications (what? There are some?) that this solution may have. Yes security can’t be sacrificed, because Israel is sure going to need it, if this plan follows though. So how is this the best option for both sides? Hamas apparently rejected it as well, so now since they don’t like it, maybe we’ll get a reconsideration? At least we have a reason to reject it – not quite sure what theirs is. Yes, that’s the same Hamas that’s a terrorist group according to the US and Israel only – not the rest of the world. See article attached. 

                Obama also criticized both sides (yes both! So maybe he is being objective…) for unmet expectations despite all of America’s assistance in coming up with a solution. Israel wants to build new housing settlements in the West bank, and other areas beyond its 1967 borders (because this isn’t 1967), and Palestine challenges Israel’s right to exist as a whole. The scale seems slightly tilted when comparing the way both sides are resisting. (there goes that fleeting objectivity...) 

         

           The media and Obama both have the right to propose and consider the two state solution, though they should also consider the sides of both states involved through and through.

CNN article

How social is social media?

         Stern recently had this program regarding relationships in the digital Age, and though I did not attend, one of my friends showed me this fantastic youtube video, that I’m attaching below. The information about social media is extremely mind-blowing and really puts this new age into perspective. Something as huge as this cannot be ignored. Some crazy statistics:

                96% of generation Y have joined a social network.

                Social Media has overtaken porn as the #1 activity on the Web.

                1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. Last year met via social media.

                Facebook added 100 million users in less than 9 months.

                If Facebook were a country, it would be the 4^th largest.

                These stats are only from the beginning of the video. The information is so striking when condensed into these pithy phrases. We have become immune to it, because we ourselves are living it. As this newfound era evolves, we are evolving along with it. We don’t take the time always to take that step backward to remove ourselves and gain a clearer picture. The media is more widely connected to people than ever before. This video attests to the numbers. The actual ramifications of these numbers are just as huge and lasting, but for some reason they feel more subtle to us. We must be aware of the power in order to be capable, intellectual, and responsible citizens who can determine when this power is misused or distorted. 

                The fact that I was completely  in shock after seeing this video made me realize how unaware I myself am. It’s a scary thing to realize how much you didn’t realize the extent that technology connects people. The first step to realizing media bias is to acknowledge the power the media has when you don’t. 

So make sure to watch this video! Social Media 

The IDF and the Media

           In my American Anti-War Literature class, we had a speaker from the Israeli army come present how the media had an effect on his life as a soldier. While the class itself tended to be more left-wing, this particular Israeli soldier was particularly conservative. He had an interesting take on the ethics of war, efficiency vs. morality, and the civilian’s role in the greater scheme of things. He presented both sides to all the issues he reported, and clearly noted when he was giving his own opinion.

               He was extremely adamant when describing the detrimental ramifications of the media on the larger Israeli army and strategy as well as the more specific psychological and emotional state of individual soldiers themselves. He included a powerpoint with several pictures he found online and on mainstream media outlets. He proceeded to ask us what it looked like, and then followed by giving us what really happened. The first  picture really resonated with me. It looked as if a soldier was pointing his gun at a young child. However, he used several ways to explain how that was in actuality not the case. For example, the way his finger is placed on the gun shows that he is not in the active position to shoot. Furthermore, you’re never supposed to hold your gun down while you’re in the army. Also, children are often used to transfer weapons or bombs and the soldier, if he’s doing his job, should absolutely be on the defense. There are several pictures in this powerpoint that tell very different stories from what they first appear to say. 

                Throughout this class, there was a more positive tint on anti-war writing. Because war used to be so glorified and sugar-coated, it was considered relatively progressive to describe the reality of its horrors. Perhaps, however, the media has taken it too far. Perhaps, they are trying too hard to provide their readers with some mind-blowing reality, that they are actually misconstruing it? This slideshow attests to that at any rate.

 Here is the link below:
PowerPoint of IDF Pictures