Photo by Elimende Inagella on Unsplash
The dumbing down of America is not a new phenomenon, but its acceleration in recent years, particularly aided by the media's failure to inform the public adequately, is alarming. It's become increasingly evident that much of the legacy media, once a source for thoughtful analysis and diverse perspectives, is now contributing to a widespread lack of understanding and critical thinking among the public. This trend frustrates me deeply, as I see people around me missing the bigger picture, focusing on trivialities, or getting swayed by half-truths and sensationalism.
Take, for instance, the story of Deadspin writer Carron Phillips, who unjustly accused a young Kansas City Chiefs fan of racism. Nine-year-old Holden Armenta was featured on a CBS broadcast with half his face painted black and the other half red, wearing a Native American headdress. Phillips, in a hasty and irresponsible judgment, labeled this child a bigot, accusing him of simultaneously offending Black people and Native Americans. The media storm that followed was not only baseless – the other side of Holden's face was painted red, representing his team's colors. It was, yet another glaring example of the media's proclivity for sensationalism over substance.
As a father, witnessing such reckless targeting of a child for clicks and views is not only infuriating but deeply concerning. It reflects a broader trend in media: the inclination to prioritize sensationalism and conflict over accuracy and empathy. This approach misinforms the public and encourages a culture of outrage and division, distracting from more pressing, complex issues.
Beyond this incident, numerous examples exist of the media's failure to facilitate informed discourse. Consider the oversimplification of political debates, where complex policies are reduced to sound bites, and nuanced arguments are lost in pursuing viral moments. Or the trend of prioritizing celebrity gossip over critical global events leads to a populace more knowledgeable about reality TV stars than their own government's policies or international affairs.
Even in science, where facts should reign supreme, the media has promoted misinformation. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by most legacy news outlets, where sensationalist reporting often overshadowed scientific data, is a case in point. This misrepresentation has consequences, leading to public confusion and mistrust in scientific institutions.
The rise of social media as a news source has compounded this problem. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are rife with misinformation, yet they are increasingly where people turn for their daily news. These platforms' echo chambers further entrench people in their beliefs, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction.
This decline in the quality of public discourse is not just a media problem; it reflects a broader societal issue. Witnessing this trend is disheartening as someone who values informed debate and thoughtful analysis.
I often find myself frustrated with the superficial level of public discourse. One day, I hope we can reach a point where our society values depth, accuracy, and diversity of thought over sensationalism.
Wishful thinking?
Clayton Craddock is a devoted father of two, an accomplished musician, and a thought-provoker dedicated to Socratic questioning, challenging the status quo, and encouraging a deeper contemplation on a range of issues. Subscribe to Think Things Through HERE, and for inquiries and to connect, email him here: Clayton@claytoncraddock.com.