Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Peace, Policy, and Presentation?

Both the DNC and the RNC is over. We are aware of the running mates for both tickets, and both parties rally for "change/reformation." So, other than some basic information on both candidates web sites...where are the details of policy? As far as I know, every candidate is for better education, health care, better economy, etc...

CRYSTALIZE?

Other than really seeking out the answers to these questions, is the mass media really informing the public of the details of the issues? I certainly have not been hearing that. It appears (in general) as though the mass media is just one big marketing campaign. I have been hearing ridiculous commentary about "women being to sensitive" to answer certain questioning. How "this administration is tied to that administration," and belittling a candidates years of public service, as opposed to approaching major issues that this country is dealing with.

Who cares so much about time of experience, but as to how their principals were expressed in that experience. And, what are the plans for the future? How are these goal going to be approached? Other than some generic conversation, I am not seeing the details commercialized in the mass media. It appears as is the audience needs to be proactive in their research.

Turn on the T.V. and you get "where to buy this outfit" that the candidates and their families are wearing. This is the restaurant "they" ate at, and here is where "they" vacation. What about the issues? This is a very important election, we have some major issues that need to be addressed. Which candidate is the best path to peace? We need the public to be more informed than ever about the impact of their vote.

Is the mass media reflecting culture? Or is it dictating it? It seems as if image is more important than substance. If that is the case, is democracy really working? Or do we all submit to the collective mind set of the masses? I would hope that each person's vote is based on good information. Not a popularity contest.

1 comment:

Schmidt said...

I would say the media largely reflects culture, while it does somewhat shape it. I don't believe people would tune in if the media gave long stories to certain policies either candidate supported. Some issues are incredibly hard to explain in laymen's terms. For example, healthcare or tax policy would confuse and befuddle most average Americans if they went in depth. The media does deserve much of blame, but it is the people who ALLOWED the media to become like this that is worse.