In class this week, we discussed setting agendas in the news. Well, as it so happens, there is a prime example of agenda setting in the NY Times this week. Since the news in the middle east is exceedingly more interesting than the budget setting happening in Washington, the M.E. has taken over the home page and front page of the paper. If you go to the politics page, then you'll see tons of important stories about what's going on domestically, but who wants to read about fights in congress when people are setting themselves on fire on the other side of the world? I, for one, am more inclined to learn about people on fire, but that's just me. (or careless shootings, riots, demonstrations...)
Is it wrong that the American papers are more concerned with the other side of the world? Is it expected or should we insist that they set priority to the local news?
Most recent M.E. drama
I think that America is still trying to play the "father of democracy" role that it did in the early 20th century. Therefore, when Middle Eastern countries are depriving their people of democratic rights, Americans like to get involved.
ReplyDeleteBut I do think issues closer to home should be more emphasized.