When people are at either end of the political spectrum, that leaves the vast majority of everything else falling into their version of “enlightened centrism.”
In the specific post I was alluding to, one of the suggested news sources was Unicorn Riot, which I’m somewhat familiar with. I agree with many positions they back, and I believe what they report is very important to document. But when you’re reading an article, and if the story is about the event the author is an active participant in, how is there any argument that the given article is not totally biased?
Now, that is far from saying that article is useless! Quite the opposite, in fact. A first hand account from someone prepared to observe important details of chaotic events as they unfold is extremely valuable information. But they are there, equally, if not moreso, as a participant in said event than as an impartial observer. In that regard, I would never recommend UR as a primary source on an event. If you told me you read a story from Reuters or NYT but said you wished there were something you could read to fill in some gaps or to get some insight into the protest of reasons behind it that you felt that article was lacking, then by all means read something like a Unicorn Riot article!
Activism is important and necessary to improve our world, and I often appreciate the role they play. But activists, by definition, are pushing an agenda, since their entire purpose is to change the status quo. Journalism is collecting accurate info and passing that to the public in a way it can make sense of it. I don’t think there should be much overlap in those 2 things.
Unbiased news should be dry and boring, as it isn’t getting any “flavor” by its author. So perhaps if you’re getting pumped up positively or negatively by what you are reading, step back for a second and evaluate what it is you’re reading and trying to see if someone is trying to work on your emotions, and if that is a thing you want.
I won’t please everyone with my opinions of course. I do try to make sure I can back up my takes with evidence though, or I try to keep my mouth shut otherwise, at least publicly. 😁
It’s taken a long time and a lot of reading and thinking critically to get to this point. Many people probably don’t have the time or energy to devote to it, which is why I try to educate in a way that doesn’t try to make people feel dumb for not knowing. I do my best to filter down to the core message and put it in relatable context without trying to add any influence where possible. It can’t be intimidating to try to form an opinion on complex matters, but you can still form valid opinions if someone can help get you started with sound fundamentals.
My personal example is I tried to teach myself music by myself for many years. I picked up bits and pieces and could do a few things passably, but I hit roadblocks very quickly. Now that I have been able to get a teacher, who has the prior experience and knowledge, she’s able to show me the most efficient order to learn skill in, and how to build upon the knowledge and skills I have and to see areas I’m lacking. I’m still developing my own music taste and style and not hers because she takes me feedback and listens to my interests and my own takeaways from what she shows me. She’s been a great help to me without having her force me to what she knows or likes. That’s the kind of thing I want to give to people that look to me for information.
I’m glad I got to share something of value with you!
When people are at either end of the political spectrum, that leaves the vast majority of everything else falling into their version of “enlightened centrism.”
In the specific post I was alluding to, one of the suggested news sources was Unicorn Riot, which I’m somewhat familiar with. I agree with many positions they back, and I believe what they report is very important to document. But when you’re reading an article, and if the story is about the event the author is an active participant in, how is there any argument that the given article is not totally biased?
Now, that is far from saying that article is useless! Quite the opposite, in fact. A first hand account from someone prepared to observe important details of chaotic events as they unfold is extremely valuable information. But they are there, equally, if not moreso, as a participant in said event than as an impartial observer. In that regard, I would never recommend UR as a primary source on an event. If you told me you read a story from Reuters or NYT but said you wished there were something you could read to fill in some gaps or to get some insight into the protest of reasons behind it that you felt that article was lacking, then by all means read something like a Unicorn Riot article!
Activism is important and necessary to improve our world, and I often appreciate the role they play. But activists, by definition, are pushing an agenda, since their entire purpose is to change the status quo. Journalism is collecting accurate info and passing that to the public in a way it can make sense of it. I don’t think there should be much overlap in those 2 things.
Unbiased news should be dry and boring, as it isn’t getting any “flavor” by its author. So perhaps if you’re getting pumped up positively or negatively by what you are reading, step back for a second and evaluate what it is you’re reading and trying to see if someone is trying to work on your emotions, and if that is a thing you want.
I won’t please everyone with my opinions of course. I do try to make sure I can back up my takes with evidence though, or I try to keep my mouth shut otherwise, at least publicly. 😁
This is a fantastic take. Bravo!
Nothing more really to add other than I wish more people could be like you and see past the more simplistic views of the world.
It’s taken a long time and a lot of reading and thinking critically to get to this point. Many people probably don’t have the time or energy to devote to it, which is why I try to educate in a way that doesn’t try to make people feel dumb for not knowing. I do my best to filter down to the core message and put it in relatable context without trying to add any influence where possible. It can’t be intimidating to try to form an opinion on complex matters, but you can still form valid opinions if someone can help get you started with sound fundamentals.
My personal example is I tried to teach myself music by myself for many years. I picked up bits and pieces and could do a few things passably, but I hit roadblocks very quickly. Now that I have been able to get a teacher, who has the prior experience and knowledge, she’s able to show me the most efficient order to learn skill in, and how to build upon the knowledge and skills I have and to see areas I’m lacking. I’m still developing my own music taste and style and not hers because she takes me feedback and listens to my interests and my own takeaways from what she shows me. She’s been a great help to me without having her force me to what she knows or likes. That’s the kind of thing I want to give to people that look to me for information.
I’m glad I got to share something of value with you!