What can we do? In response to the two previous entries (and ensuing comments) Anonymous said (bolding is mine):

Dearest Cicero,
While I completely agree with your point (and it is one that Rosie O’Donnell makes several times a week on The View), I have to present the other side as I see it. Yes, the media makes money with the art of distraction. However, Americans in general, have so many venues to choose from to receive their news: newspapers, magazines and tv programs that span the entire political spectrum, npr, endless websites, your blog. And while all of these are skewed, we have the basic option to choose what we want to read and when. And sometimes we just like to be distracted with Anna Nicole’s baby daddy because there is nothing we can do about the 4 year mess in Iraq. It’s not pleasant feeling so defeated all the time. I do admire your belief in achieving something better though, and if you have suggestions as to how the everyday citizen can help tackle mountains, please tell us.

J-lo responded:

I'd like to quickly comment on what anonymous had posted regarding the unpleasantness of feeling defeated. It is true that most of us may indeed feel defeated after the precarious situation our beloved president has entered us in, however, as Americans we can do something. There is a great quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr that states "The Greatest sin of our time is not the few who have destroyed, but the majority who have sat idly by." This is the case in point for most Americans who prefer to watch the next episode of twisted shows like 24 than take to the streets, join groups like MoveOn.org, send a heated letter to their representative, or simply vote. As Americans we've forgotten the power of voice and action. It's necessary that we demand action on the part of those politicians who claim they represent the public. Educate and speak your mind - teach your neighbor about the realities of Iraq and that 233 people dead in a single day is not a sign of success, but rather pandemonium - hell on Earth. Every little thing we do as activists, voters, citizens, does have an impact whether we believe it or not. We need to quit feeling defeated by a government that thrives on their ability to curb our civil liberties!

I understand where Anonymous is coming from. Sometimes it all becomes overwhelming. Many times, in fact, I can't even blog about things because I'm so frustrated and feel like I'm shouting into a black hole. But, as he or she mentions, there are plenty of media outlets for us to choose from - so how can it be a problem?

It is a problem because a singular media narrative seems to penetrate all of those different options. Take, for example, the lead up to the Iraq war. In the shadow of 9/11, the media just embraced Bush, his concept of an Axis of Evil, and the totally fabricated notion of Iraq posing some sort of imminent, Al Qaeda-linked threat to the United States. Over 80% of the American public bought this, because every single media outlet was selling it, and there was very little dissent. All of those scary graphics showing radical Islamist fighters running through obstacle courses and Saddam Hussein firing off a rifle made for good ratings, after all.

The point is then: what is variety when there is no diversity contained within it? This, in turn, brings me to J-lo's point, and his reference to MLK Jr. We cannot sit on our hands here and just say, "Oh well, it's the only thing on TV, so I'm gonna watch it." We have to be proactive. Action is as simple as speaking up, loudly and clearly, within your own group of friends. Action is going door to door as part of an organized voter education campaign (if you've never tried it, you'd be surprised at how easy and fun it is, and how many interesting people you'll meet along the way). Action is also being aware of the economics of media: don't be afraid to contact advertisers and let them know what you think about them associating themselves with certain networks or shows.

Above and beyond everything else, don't be afraid. Don't be afraid that you might step on someone's toes, or get yourself into a debate that might lead to some heated moments. It's your country too, and no matter the forum, you have a voice.

Labels: action

  ¶ 8:30 AM