Though television and the media in general have an adverse effect on individuals, the news, with its reputation founded on newly constructed museums and monuments congratulating itself and the entire Vietnam war behind it, is unquestionably the most potentially dangerous medium. As described in the article "Parachute Journalism" by S. Wizda, news media has not only the power, but also the means and the drive to reinforce both simplicity and passivity of thought in regard to television, politics, and perhaps life as a whole.
Propaganda is a very dangerous thing, and this article is quite eloquent in its retelling of the Timothy MacVeigh saga. Being a perfect example (much like the Columbine story), Gun Town, Kansas provides convenient fodder for the propaganda mac
In most respects, this article is completely satisfactory; it presents and defends an argument, it brings to light an important example of news media at its (near) worst. However, in moving beyond a simple finger-pointer and into something greater, it falls short. Given more attention and depth, Wizda could clarify the difference between propaganda and a full-rounded story, instead, it falls somewhere in between, personifying a grey area. This missed opportunity does not undermine the article completely; it only slightly reinforces the goal of mediocrity that seems to fuel so many publications.
Like several critical arguments, Wizda succeeds very quickly at identifying a problem, while failing at presenting a solution. If the populace is so unable to realize
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