I was talking to Chris U about the readings from this book and I agreed with him that it was a little "dry." I think what made it dry were the numbers (statistics) that were presented. As the authors explained at the prologue that numbers (scientific data) could paint or erase the picture of reality. I think that since using numbers as facts which are often dry, they tend to present to the public a nuetral and "unbiased" view. Because these numbers are considered unbiased, people do not refute them.
It's scary to think about "filters," "templates," and how news are "socially constructed." It makes me question further the truth of reality, and I ask these questions:
1. What is healthy/beneficial in fostering paranoia?
2. Are the true enemies of truth the reporters who present the angle of a story, or the 'institutions' (such as government, other authorities etc.) who release information with a slant?
I do take comfort in what the author said, "Simple awareness of the problem is important in itself" (34).
Posted by Michael Diezmos at October 24, 2005 9:34 AMViolence and rage sell newspapers, and hold the attention of television viewers who are too busy to read dry facts. But society pays a price -- paranoia and suspicion. Even the idea that there is an "enemy" out there is a bit paranoid, though I can certainly see where you're getting that idea from, Mike.
It's a rather unsettling feeling, once you realize just how much of society is constructed by the institutions that are playing power games, and by the language the powerful people use.
But you are aware of it, now.
I don't want to make people paranoid, but if I can make everyone in the class pay special attention to the sloppy or lopsided use of statistics, whether by reporters, politicians, political activists, or scientists themselves, then I feel like I've accomplished something.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at October 24, 2005 11:38 PMI am aware of it now thanks and you know what, I used to get "stumped" whenever people would start giving me their statistics, they'd often rant: "numbers don't lie"...with confidence and logic I can refute them. :)
Posted by: Mike at October 26, 2005 12:07 AM