Sunday, April 13, 2008

Media Parrots


Am I the only one irritated by these people? I know they are well meaning, but they are those who always bring up the news headlines but have nothing to actually say about it. Well, they do have something to say: exactly what the pundits and analysts say. Usually word for word, or summarized even further.

So, silly me, I think perhaps the media parrot might want to actually talk about the subject at hand. But usually they reserve their opinion for the next time they hear something about it from CNN or other broadcast media. Are they walking sheep or what? Honestly, they have no opinion, and usually when they do it is quite simplistic.

And yet, these are the same people who can easily be swayed to your way of thinking - merely by explaining your perspective. But as soon as the media tells them an opposing opinion, they will go with that. It is sad that we have those in our society who do not think for themselves. Are they the "sheeple" of America?

Fortunately there are those who do think. But only those who are the loudest make any impact on media parrots. I could give paragraphs of examples regarding times when I stated something and media parrots would dismiss what I had to say. Then they changed their mind when "reality" came in line - AKA the media agreed with my assessment.

Before Barack Obama even announced his candidacy, I had told many that if he were to run he would win. The media parrots refused to listen, giving me simple reasons like "he's black" or "Hillary will win no matter what." Very simple, until you actually hear the guy speak.

Of course, he would stand no chance at all if the Democrats were fearful of winning this year. Instead the 2006 election landslide has energized their enthusiasm, giving them a sense of hope they thought unthinkable until then. Had they not won so much ground then, Obama would not have a prayer today. But the Democrats believe they will win and don't focus on an "electable" candidate as much as one who more represents the values they would prefer to convey.

Though I have identified numerous amounts of media parrots and those with varying degrees of character agreement with them, I have yet to find a cure. There probably isn't one. Media parrots need to awaken and change themselves by choice. I cannot fathom living like a lemming on autopilot indefinitely, so choose to foster dissent at every opportunity.

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