This week, I thought a lot about liberal bias in the media. I have to admit, I didn't really even understand what that meant. I have heard Glenn Beck refer to himself a conservative, and from what I can tell, he's not well liked within media circles. I also realized that I didn't even really understand the difference between liberal and conservative beliefs.
I started digging to understand what a liberal bias in the media might mean for me. I found this article, which reported on a study done on journalists to determine if the claim of liberal bias was in fact correct. I also brushed up my knowledge on liberal and conservative positions on issues with a number of articles, and completed a number of quizzes that labelled me a liberal! I guess I had better change that on my Facebook profile.
Now I'm thinking about whether it matters to me or not. If someone is going to "tell me what to think about," I'd rather it be someone who is more moderate than extreme. If it's going to be extreme, I'd rather be more focused on what's best for everyone than on individual freedoms, and I'd rather focus on global issues, like the environment, than keeping corporations happy and profitable. I'd rather take care of those who need help, than spend a lot of time discussing how their problems are a result of their own choices.
Karen, I like your point on being moderate vs. extreme. I watch a lot of Real Time with Bill Maher for my liberal-bias on American politics culture. On the show last night they discussed how moderates in both parties, Democrat and Republican, are being fazed out, leaving Americans with extremists on both sides. I'm not sure if you have HBO, but give him a watch if you get a chance. Any thoughts on what could happen if moderates, in politics or society, turn to more extremist views?
ReplyDelete