Media vs. Journalism

There is not much else to explain that I haven't already about how we have come to this disastrous point in our [species'] time on this planet. Now I guess its time to raise some questions that I have in getting us out of this mess.

What I see as the ultimate equalizer is media.

News used to be journalism. They reported the facts in the most objective way possible (remember that impartiality and therefore objectivity is nearly impossible, just because of the way our brains work)... Stories were just that. The story of a mother who couldn't feed her children was not draped in some reporters opines about how the failing economy or some other smoke screen is responsible for her being downtrodden. Television news has clearly become the mouthpiece for the rich people who own most of the country, purchased right after the Great Depression. That brings it into the realm of media, which has no obligation to be arbitrary at all.

So, the question is: How do you change people's minds who are subjected to a constant barrage of propaganda from recognizable people that leads them further down the wrong way on a one way street? Chances are: they are feeding into the mix of sexual, emotional and other cues that cause a subsequent amplification of our consumer nature. I mean, it took me years to realize that I should always be skeptical of information that is handed to me, for which I did not ask. It is hard to think for yourself when it is so much easier to let "the box" think for you.

The thing is, that we MUST change these minds (of the masses) before its too late. There are some progressive institutions that broadcast the right messages, but they are drowned out by the pillars of the industry who don't care about the common person, they just focus on their profit margins and ratings returns.

Maybe its time to take a page out of history and start distributing newsletters that highlight the TRUE history of this country and the behind-the-scenes debauchery that is still occurring today (sorry President Obama, we know the deal) . There is not much that is more powerful than the printed (something you have to read, including a computer screen) word. I read an article in the NY Times that said a study found that when something is read by a person--no matter how ridiculous or contrary to truth--it is more likely to be noted and/or considered by the individual reading it, simply because it is in print. No wonder those crazy e-mails about Obama being the anti-Christ et al. were eaten up by middle and lower income (mainly white) people. I'm sure that there are newsletters out there, but it is up to us to get it into the hands and in front of the faces of the people who need it most. I think this could be a crucial first step in starting the grass roots movement toward what David C. Korten calls "Earth Community". Urban farming is another one which might not require so much effort for gaining support. Remember, the government has no power if no one gives it to them, if we take things into our own hands. Trust! The answer will not come from the top of the ranks. It comes from changing minds, showing them that there are other ways to live beside the American Imperial/Manifest Destiny lifestyle.

What do you think?

Peace.