Does media/propaganda change the "truth" across the world?
By MrNiceGuy
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
United States
January 1, 2007 3:50pm CST
On MyLot and within world politics, it is becoming clear to me that there is a disconnect between what the Western countries and the rest of the world believes and what countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia believe.
There seem to be a lot of issues that the news or popculture/society are just blatantly contradictory. I think a lot of problems are caused when propaganda is shoved down the throats of those that may not be able to decipher the difference between truth and reality.
In countries where the state (and religious authorities) control not only society but also the news, like those in the Middle East decieve their citizens with information that they, as media workers, cannot possibly believe is true. Holocaust denial, lies about the Jews, 9/11, Bush, Christians, etc, etc.
it seems to me that the Middle East can't have a real connection to discussions with the rest of the world because their government blinds the ignorant masses into believing radically absurd ideas. These ideas are popular because the people are poor, religion is used to unify, and nationalism is strong. All of these factors have traditionally been catalysts for revolution but are also characteristics of governments that were terrible to live under and turned into tyrannical mess.
Do any of you observe such a barrier to understanding? I just feel you can't argue with some of the people from the Middle East because they simply don't know the truth!
8 people like this
9 responses
@wmg2006 (5381)
• United States
5 Jan 07
I believe some of what you say, but you must remember we as Americans have done our own share of spreading propoganda among our own people. Are you so naive to think our media and governement tells us how things really are or do they tell us what they want us to know? The media is not as "free speech" oriented as most Americans believe, it is a political institution just like everything else in our society. It is controlled by a few high paying political members. Remember everything has a price and can be bought.
So with that said, Do we really know the truth any more than the people in the middle east? I don't think we do. We know only what our government wants us to know.
1 person likes this
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
5 Jan 07
Well in America politicians are not in control of the media. The media is a conglomerate that is only there because its a business out to make money.
But yeah, since news agencies are run by the government in many countries in the Middle East, yes I do believe we are in a much better situation. Take Iran for example, their President doesn't believe the Holocaust happened. What do you think their people are told about the Holocaust and Jews?
2 people like this
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
5 Jan 07
Dear MrNiceGuy
Here is a website for you to look at and make up your own mind.
http://www.turnoffyourtv.com/networks/foxnews/foxnews.html
Happy reading!!!
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
6 Jan 07
We're not talking about bias that effects every media source free or not. everyone has an opinion.
I'm talking about deliberate misrepresentation and flat out lies.
2 people like this
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
6 Jan 07
So did you read the article. What is the difference in how we are lied to. Governments or not. People in the media control what we are allowed to know. Whether you live in the Middle East, America or Europe.
@lauriefnp (5111)
• United States
23 Jan 07
You are extremely astute for such a young guy! I agree with most of what you said, but we have to remember that even the Americans are at the mercy of what the government decides that we "need to know". Although the U.S. is undeniably more forthcoming with the facts than a lot of nations, we are still told lies and half-truths, I am sure- even if it is camouflaged in the disguise of protecting National Security. I think that the citizens of most developed nations actively search out the truth and question disparity, whereas the people in oppressed areas of the world do rely on rumor and hearsay. Many of these people do not even watch the news or have access to the Internet, so how are they supposed to form their own opinions? I don't know how much of this ignorance is due to governments actively hiding the truth and how much has to do with extreme poverty and lack of resources to access the media. I suspect that poverty actually plays a larger role than we realize.
@WhatsHerName (2716)
• United States
2 Jan 07
Yes, you are so right. I also feel there are a lot of people here do not follow the news at all. I believe they rely on rumors, things they hear from people they know and a lot of times by just guessing.
I saw someone say that America is killing people in N. Korea now.
@WhatsHerName (2716)
• United States
2 Jan 07
One more thing, I think, deliberately sending misinformation and media propaganda is a form of terrorism.
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I think you are right. Its definately very important to terrorists and their supporters.
2 people like this
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
2 Jan 07
Have you ever thought of becoming the President of America one day?? You would do a good job with these beliefs. The Neo-conservatives would love you!
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
2 Jan 07
Well, neoconservatism would involve spreading American ideals or ensuring American overseas assets and their security forcefully. I didn't mention FORCING other media to be free, but I think its pretty much accepted that state run media touting propaganda is a BAD thing (see all former oppressive regimes) and often makes for a habitat not to encouraging of truth. I just said it makes it hard for the world to actually communicate through problems since one side doesn't even know whats going on at all.
Mind you, I'm not talking political bias but the outright lies perpetrated by state run media propaganda.
Glad that you had a real answer though...
2 people like this
@smkwan2007 (1036)
• Hong Kong
23 Jan 07
Yes propaganda and media do change the truth of facts in news. I think it is partly due to each one has their own ways of thinking; thus no one is absolutely objective on many issues, especially on conflicts between nations. Reporters, media people of course do convey their view points as they publicize their news. Suppose you are a reporter from Middle East and you donot like US, How would you report news on American culture? You may emphasize the filthy part of the society and neglect the advantage part of their ways of living. Then the news covered in you work reveals only the disgraceful side of the nation. Can you say that your report contains truth in it? I don't think so.
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
21 Jan 07
I think you'll find there's a disconnect also between what the U.S. govt believes and what its own allies in western Europe believe. Iraq is the current wedge. Many countries supported the invasion of Afghanistan; very few supported the action in Iraq, besides Britain.
@beautifulceiling (1300)
• United States
21 Jan 07
Wherever you have corruption in politics and businesses controlling the media who contribute money to those politicians in exchange for favorable legislation, the freedom of the press is stifled. The government doesn't have to have official control of the media for that media to still be in bed with them.
@livingtwist (410)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Don't beleive it chages anything but takes the attention away from some and puts the spot light on others. Its a shame that all the networks and media hounds jump on same thing.
Todays news is the same according to them, no matter what you watch.
