As I listen to radio talk shows in the United States now that I am back in Pizzaonia, I spend more time reflecting on their worth as an information medium. Granted they are entertaining, but what purpose do they serve?
No doubt, they make money for the stations that broadcast them. The people who run the networks are experts on how to feed their respective markets. This is the problem. Since they understand their markets so well, each talk-show host knows which buttons to push to keep their listeners frothing at the mouth.
Nothing promotes ignorance faster than restricting your listening to those shows that reaffirm your established bias. Moreover, since these shows are editorial in nature, they use the “truth” very selectively to reinforce their particular editorial slant. Since this is only entertainment, you might ask what is the big deal?
If the surveys we read have merit, we are asked to believe that most folks get their information from the various radio and television talk shows they listen to and watch. Wow, how is that for a democratically informed electorate?
We live in a transformational time. The world is changing all around us. During times of transformational change, fear is always a by-product. Fear can be alleviated by accurate and intelligently presented points of view that help us shape our opinions. Alternatively, this fear can be used to create larger audiences by using demagoguery to feed the flames.
Profit trumps truth again. This fear mongering creates larger constituencies, and this creates larger audiences and bigger profits. It also makes winning elections easier.
Pablum rules the day. Chicken or the egg? Do we get what we deserve or is what we are getting the best we have?
America needs a reality check if it is to have a meaningful presidential election that can reestablish the American democracy as the model for the world. The American people will decide if they have the necessary will and courage to demand leadership instead of patronization. Or, have they already decided, only time will tell.
Brother Giovanni, observations from Pizzaonia
"...what really counts is not the immediate act of courage or of valor, but those who bear the struggle day in and day out - not the sunshine patriots but those who are willing to stand for a long period of time." John F. Kennedy
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