The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them, in as much as he who knows nothing is nearer the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Today, we contend with a mass media that extends far beyond newspapers, a media system that is among the biggest and most powerful institutions in the country. Unfortunately, it is also a media system that too often envisions us as consumers of capitalism, not citizens of a democracy. Media sociologists Herbert Gans argues that the media alone can not guarantee a democracy. Despite much disingenuous talk about citizen empowerment by politicians and merchandisers, citizens have never had much clout. Countries as big as America operate largely through organizations.
But in a country as big as America, the media constitute one of those critical organizations that can help or hurt us in creating a more economically and politically democratic society. At their worst, the media can distract or misinform us with falsehoods and errors. But, at their best, the media can shed light on the issues, tell meaningful stories and foster the discussions that can help a citizens' democracy flourish.
"The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them, in as much as he who knows nothing is nearer the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors." If you're going to quote Thomas Jefferson, you must cite him. Taking credit for someone else's idea is plagiarism. 0 points.
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