the media's subtle way with words (propaganda 101)

[JSJ]

Fox does it. So does CNN and MSNBC. Though not as often, the major broadcast networks do it, too. It's a simple enough ruse, but probably goes unnoticed by most. In fact, it's probably been done so often as to render the true meanings of the words in question inoperable. So, what the hell is the difference between 'making a case' and 'stating a case'? Well, there use to be a very big difference between the two terms. But, that was before Murdoch's News Corporation first unleashed Fox News, and before the US Marine Psy-Op boys came to work and manage CNN for a spell(--- and it's very possible CNN is still guided by those military agi-prop experts).

CNN copyreader; Today on Capitol Hill, President Bush 'made' his case for the invasion of Iraq. Several lawmakers agreed that Bush did indeed 'make' a case for the invasion of that (vulnerable country, half-populated by children and still reeeling from ten years of punitive sanctions, enforced by US bombings).

Fox News hairdo; It didn't seem possible during this Congressional term, but Republicans have definately 'made' their case for law-maker approval of the Hetero-marriage only amendment to the Constitution. Jerry Falwell, glorious leader of a pack of rabid bible-thumpers, seconded this network's opinion by saying the Republicans certainly 'made' their case before Congress.

MSNBC half-moon eyes; Thousands of concerned Americans have 'made' the case that Michael Moore's new propaganda piece, Farhenheit 911 doesn't do it for them. Moore reacted with his typical radical frothing when he responded to these reports by saying; 'ho hum'.

Whether someone 'makes' his or her case isn't up to 'impartial' 'journalists' to say. That falls to whoever is receiving the proponent's argument. And that would be part or all of the public at large. And propaganda readers on the cable shows should be required to say a person has only stated his case- at least until popular consensus can be measured.

Now- I've stated my case, but did I make it?

[blackcat77]

1. Have you ever seen "Rashoman?"

Every person perceives differently, and no matter how hard a reporter tries to be objective, you can't help but put a little of yourself into the news you report.

And that's not a bad thing. But it does mean that we, the partakers of news, have an obligation to ourselves to get our stories from different sources. To watch just CNN is equally wrong as to watch just Fox News.

[JSJ]

2. so, do you think newsreaders should replace...

...'made' his case with 'stated' his case, when reporting on still unresolved matters?

[DNA]

6. Who the hell

watches CNN? (Let alone "just").

[dbt]

3. Well said, JSJ!

And you have but touched on the tip of the tip of the iceberg. The body language of the hairdos (GREAT term!) speaks volumes, also. Note the raised eyebrow, the roll of the eyes, the slight bu$hian smirk when anything relating to Democratic ideas is brought up. (Goddess help me, I almost said discussed.)

Then there's the tone of voice, the inflection. Listen to it change when a hairdo speaks of Kerry or Gore or Clinton or Michael Moore. Listen to it change back when Glorious Leader is mentioned.

Yeah, the words ARE being carefully chosen, and they are being seriously reinforced by the rest of the "package." The very best example of this "whole package" theory is Fox News (sic). The reason they whip all the other cable nets is that Fox News (sic) is presented exactly like Fox Sports is presented: opinionated, glitzy and fast-paced--full of sound effects and action footage.*

It's Bread and Circuses, delivered by Fleshpots and Onions.

:argh:
dbt

* edited to add the fact that Fox always has a healthy dose of GROUPTHINK in its presentations.

[izzie]

11. Bush is really into this body language thing.

The just saying 'makes the case' set up the thinking for many people. I do hear the people who call into c-span just say Bush is right as he said it. Odd if you grew up in NE. Leaders were not thought of that highly. His base use no logic at all. For one reason they will say Bush is so Christian yet he is in bed with the Saud's and they are really anti Christian. That right there should make them think about this so called great Christian.

[DNA]

4. You do a good job

dissecting this particular incidence of bias. There are so many, and so little time.

Just today I heard on Talk of the Nation a discussion of values in politics. Nine times out of ten the host and guests suggested in subtle and not so subtle ways that somehow Democrats are devoid of values. Of course, this is nonsense. We all vote our values as we see them. But not to the media.

Another example: Michael Moore was the cover story in Time magazine last week. Lest you think suddenly the left is getting equal time, you need only read the article. Again, 9 comments out of ten are derogatory against Moore.

[VOX]

5. Excellent post, JSJ...

What passes for "news" reporting these days is near-scandalous.

Once you really start listening, you will hear *many* twists and turns of opinioniated delivery by the talking heads, well beyond just the blatent sewage.

[gottaB]

7. your perspicacity is evident

I think you should provide some proper citations to make your case definitively, but I'll buy it.

[JSJ]

9. thanks, gottaB--- you can see my cites every hour on the hour...

...on msnbc/fox/cnn, et al.

[ronabop]

8. Operation Mockingbird.

Sadly, this is not news. Hasn't been so for ages.

http://www.google.com/search?q=Operation+Mockingbird

Bias is easily hidden in turns of phrase, sequence of phrasing...

Just heard this on CNN about AIDS:
"the enthusiasm for a vaccine wanes"..

Riiiight. People are not enthused for a vaccine? er...

*sigh*

The point being that mass media is not only state regulated, but state enforced, state licensed, and the information it gets is often controlled by the state.

Who ya gonna believe, your own eyes, on the carefully edited video feed, phrased for optimal meaning, or the actual experience?

-Bop

edit: changed subject and google search for better s/n hit count.

[Devils Advocate NZ]

10. There was a correct usage of the term in those quotes...

Today on Capitol Hill, President Bush 'made' his case for the invasion of Iraq. Several lawmakers agreed that Bush did indeed 'make' a case for the invasion of that (vulnerable country, half-populated by children and still reeeling from ten years of punitive sanctions, enforced by US bombings).

The first appearance is apparently a reference to the second, which is "Several lawmakers" agreed that Bush made his case.

That would be a correct usage if Bush indeed went to congress to state his case, as the "Several lawmakers" would be the target audience he was stating his case to.

[JSJ]

12. let's say a case can't be made unless a quorum majority agrees n/t