I read a lot about the "liberal media" and the "conservative media" and a recent comment posted to this blog (unfortunately, anonymous and with cussing, because I would have liked to post it and we don't "do" anonymous postings here) made me think about the concept more than usual. The comment alluded to "liberal media" as it pertained to the immigration issue, and some of the commenter's complaints are ones I have heard before--those steeped in cultural misunderstandings and a failure to integrate cultures outside of the immigration issue.
Let me preface this by saying my father is about the staunchest conservative I know. My older brother is also conservative. I am somewhat liberal but not always. (For example, I hate abortion and plan to write about that some time, but "it will not be this day" as said in LOTR.) That being said, there is no reason in the world both positions should not be discussed in a safe, respectful environment. If an issue cannot be discussed in such a way, we must work to make it happen. If we don't, we have insults. Sometimes, insults lead to violence, and violence to war. I think most of us can agree that war, in which there is the potential of being killed, is bad. It is better to resolve things peacefully, and there is no reason or excuse why this cannot be done in our own country. If we are to be world leaders, we must set the precedent at home before we can ever do it globally.
It is crucial that bi-partisan groups meet, that all views are considered, and that a workable plan be made. The media must be part of this plan. In some ways, the media helps. For example, letters to the editor, comment forums, and blogs allow for these discussions. The problem is, it is difficult for readers and viewers to connect, to see what they have in common, and see how an issue might be resolved. Add this dynamic to the fury with which average commentators send hastily through email, and what we have is a media battle ground among readers.
Let me preface this by saying my father is about the staunchest conservative I know. My older brother is also conservative. I am somewhat liberal but not always. (For example, I hate abortion and plan to write about that some time, but "it will not be this day" as said in LOTR.) That being said, there is no reason in the world both positions should not be discussed in a safe, respectful environment. If an issue cannot be discussed in such a way, we must work to make it happen. If we don't, we have insults. Sometimes, insults lead to violence, and violence to war. I think most of us can agree that war, in which there is the potential of being killed, is bad. It is better to resolve things peacefully, and there is no reason or excuse why this cannot be done in our own country. If we are to be world leaders, we must set the precedent at home before we can ever do it globally.
It is crucial that bi-partisan groups meet, that all views are considered, and that a workable plan be made. The media must be part of this plan. In some ways, the media helps. For example, letters to the editor, comment forums, and blogs allow for these discussions. The problem is, it is difficult for readers and viewers to connect, to see what they have in common, and see how an issue might be resolved. Add this dynamic to the fury with which average commentators send hastily through email, and what we have is a media battle ground among readers.
It is most unfortunate that some media discussions demonstrate nothing but ignorance and bigotry, both of which are based on fear and negative experiences. I can certainly understand a passionate entreaty. I do that all the time. I can understand people who have had bad experiences. But I cannot understand name calling and general hatred of a population. Calling your politicians names? Well, I expect that to a point, though I try not to endorse it. Calling citizens names and fostering hatred in the community? I don't accept that.
This is where it is important for readers to use their critical thinking skills, consult more than one source, consider everyone's opinions, and try to independently form an informed opinion. Now...critical thinking skills are not honed over night. Most of us are used to being fed what we read or hear from one source or another, liberal and conservative alike. We allow ourselves to believe what we are told, and the more we consult that one source, the more we believe it. This is why I strive to use more than one source to support these postings. Because of time restrictions, I sometimes fail in doing so and resort to the local, national paper as a primary source. After all, I don't get paid to blog, and though I edit these often, I don't have endless amounts of time. I blog because I like to think and write. It's my medium because I am not a natural speaker and often have a difficult time verbalizing my thoughts, which is frustrating and misleading. I am sure many people can say the same thing about writing, and it comes through in media discussions and interpretations.
My point is, if anyone reading this holds an opposing opinion, can express it respectfully (no expletives, please, and no derogatory remarks like "you suck"), I welcome them and welcome the discussion. I might not agree with you, and that's fine. We don't have to agree. We should think, however, and be a part of the solution that helps us all. Remember, I personally do not represent "liberal media" nor do I represent anyone or any group other than myself.
Above all things in life, I want peace. When people are suffering, no matter who it is, we all suffer as a community and as a planet. Wage peace and we all will get what we need.
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt
This is where it is important for readers to use their critical thinking skills, consult more than one source, consider everyone's opinions, and try to independently form an informed opinion. Now...critical thinking skills are not honed over night. Most of us are used to being fed what we read or hear from one source or another, liberal and conservative alike. We allow ourselves to believe what we are told, and the more we consult that one source, the more we believe it. This is why I strive to use more than one source to support these postings. Because of time restrictions, I sometimes fail in doing so and resort to the local, national paper as a primary source. After all, I don't get paid to blog, and though I edit these often, I don't have endless amounts of time. I blog because I like to think and write. It's my medium because I am not a natural speaker and often have a difficult time verbalizing my thoughts, which is frustrating and misleading. I am sure many people can say the same thing about writing, and it comes through in media discussions and interpretations.
My point is, if anyone reading this holds an opposing opinion, can express it respectfully (no expletives, please, and no derogatory remarks like "you suck"), I welcome them and welcome the discussion. I might not agree with you, and that's fine. We don't have to agree. We should think, however, and be a part of the solution that helps us all. Remember, I personally do not represent "liberal media" nor do I represent anyone or any group other than myself.
Above all things in life, I want peace. When people are suffering, no matter who it is, we all suffer as a community and as a planet. Wage peace and we all will get what we need.
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt
