Fake News, Facebook and Manipulating the Opinions of Voters - All in the Name of a Good Cause?4/12/2018
Since the 2016 Presidential election, America has been embroiled in controversy over the politicization of journalism. In the bitterly contentious political climate that currently exists, opposing political groups are descending into tribalism as they seek to defend and define what is and isn't ethical journalism. On one side is the claim that the established media powers - network news, cable news, national newspapers - are engaged in reporting that is biased, dishonest, and unnecessarily antagonistic toward President Trump. On the other side is the claim that the administration of President Trump itself uses deception and social media to manipulate the opinions of voters. Both sides may feel fully justified in engaging in deception and manipulation of public opinion because it is done "in the name of a good cause" - aka the cause of opposing the other side with as much force as possible.
Americans feel compelled to take sides in this conflict and objectivity in journalism and in public political discourse seems to be fading. Can Americans have confidence in the information they receive from the media or from the Trump administration when no-holds-barred political partisanship in reporting and administration communications has become the norm? Is there any way to break this downward spiral of political tribalism? What if leaders in Congress, the Trump administration, and the media had the courage to be doggedly persistent in seeking dialogue with leaders of the opposition, even those that they believe have been abusively manipulative and dishonest in the past? What would that dialogue look like? Could it focus on solutions to current problems and reconciliation going-forward or would it need to address past wrongs and injustices and focus on reparations and remedies? ORANS wants help in answering these questions. Will you be part of continuing political tribalism that divides and destroys or will you #JoinORANS to #FightTribalism. Reach out to us if you want to be part of the solution. Submit a comment through our Contact Us page or through Facebook or Twitter. Comments are closed.
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ORANS is a nonprofit founded in 2015 to promote relational leadership. We want to help: find solutions to difficult problems, deal with difficult people, handle bullies, stop stonewalling, avoid triangling, fight tribalism, use active nonviolence to achieve change, improve dialogue and communication, create lasting change, foster quality dialogue, stay centered and mindful, control personal reactivity, build self-awareness and awareness of personality differences, live in the now, use no labels, be more grounded, be more generous, be more humble, and be more kind. Love one another. Be Relational. #FightTribalism #RepealAUMF
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