The Media

I often think about it, but this week even more so than usual. How do some of these media-types get their own radio shows or newspaper columns? Seriously! I know they have large audiences or readerships, but the question remains "how" or, I suppose, "why?"

Listening to several this week and I was appalled at a couple of things. First, their use of the English language is atrocious, just plain lousy. I guess they must get their ideas (more about those in a second) or points across, but they do so with such a lack of precision. In fact, some of the them contradict what they are saying without even realizing it (at least I hope they don't realize it!). Second, their thinking is equally bad. One of my college professors, bless him, would write as a comment on papers, "No sloppy thinking allowed." My lord, some of these so-called "ideas" are fraught with holes.

This criticism goes across political/philosophical lines--Dem or Rep, Lib or Cons; it doesn't matter. There are a few out there who are good, whether or not I see eye-to-eye with them or not. Their communication skills are impressive. But most? The situation is distressing...

...at least to me it is. I guess it isn't to most people. I believe words mean something, that they can move people if used properly. Perhaps all this is reflected in our overall lack of concern with quality. Note, for one glaring instance, television shows. They are, for the most part, pathetic. The comedies aren't funny; the dramas aren't dramatic; the reality shows certainly have nothing to do with reality. Note our so-called "heroes" and "idols." C'mon, do I really need to go into our obsession with the Hollywood-types, athletes, and even celebrities who do nothing? Have our standards fallen to such low, low levels? Don't we care? Don't we know any better?

BTW, I was asked last night, while we were out, "Are you still blogging?" I know I was away for a while, but, yes, I guess I still am blogging. I've pounded out a few the past couple of days.