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points, but I'm not sure they're related.
I found that November 20 NYT article v. interesting--and definitely worthy of a depth of analysis of which, sadly, I'm not capable. I suppose it's an inevitable outgrowth of a news service which simply doesn't have the resources to check every claim made by government sources, and which hasn't internalized the need to do so.
But as far as downplaying the deaths of foreigners, and being casually chauvanistic toward those 'outside our tribe,' I'm not sure how far one can take that comlpaint. It's a matter of judgement and degree--saying we should play 'more' attention to other peoples is one thing, but how much 'more' that includes is tough. We are naturally--and I think inevitably--more concerned with hearing about what's happening to members of 'our own tribe.'
John McCain is anti-child.
by GussieFN on Mon May 29, 2006 at 09:32:11 AM PDT
When I think about it, this is much of the problem for the responsible and professional media: they were raised, as I was, to give the government the benefit of the doubt.
They assume the government is honest, until such time as to suspect dishonesty. So yes, they frame reports as 'The Marine Corps claimed ...' but they don't feel the pressing need to investigate that report, as perhaps they would if another group made the claim.
Oddly naive, when at the same time they're so destructively cynical about little things like why politics matters.
by GussieFN on Mon May 29, 2006 at 09:36:56 AM PDT
[ Parent ]
The use of numbers like 2000 dead, when the actual cost is so much higher can only make sense in a world where American lives are the gold standard.
I'm with you on the second comment, which is much more how I think this all works. Like you, I find it hard to believe the gentlefolk of the press haven't adjusted to the new level of official disinformation -- after all, they are the ones reporting on it.
I appreciate your second comment, but it deprives me of the opportunity to quote Wodehouse and exclaim: "I think not, Gussie Fink-Nottle!"
"Stare at the monster: remark/ How difficult it is to define just what/ Amounts to monstrosity in that/ Very ordinary appearance." - Ted Hughes
by MarkC on Mon May 29, 2006 at 12:30:45 PM PDT
We are a nation of self-absorbed navel-gazers. The entire world should bow and scrape at the sight of an American, but as for them, well, they don't really place the same value on a human life, y'know...
Go to almost any other country, and you'll find much more comprehensive, and balanced, news about what's happening throughout the world. Here, we learn about Aruba when a white girl goes missing, and then they should alter their entire existence to respond to our concerns...no, demands!
It's no wonder the world hates us--the Ugly American not only lives, he's LARGE and IN CHARGE!!!
by serrano on Mon May 29, 2006 at 09:38:03 AM PDT
wide narrow
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