News Sources
Many "news" networks aren't worthy of watching or listening to but I watch, or listen to, information sources I don't prefer, to better understand the "other side". I also have my preferred news sources. And I am not entirely convinced there is such a thing as a "trusted news source". Anyone who only listens to a single source of information, or the same points of view, lacks independent thought (self-imposed ignorance). News sources "filter" their stories based on their personal agenda. That means we won't get the whole story unless we seek multiple perspectives. It is recommended to conduct personal research with other perspectives and don't assume that all that is said or printed or even visualized is true (from any source). Research other perspectives and don't assume that what is said or written, or even visualized is the real story.
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Many people couldn't come up with an original thought in their head if their life depended on it. Many believe what they want, regardless of the facts. Others believe anything they read or hear; what they have been fed and pulled around by the nose to believe. I observe many on-the-street interviewees simply regurgitating media rhetoric. It's obvious, by their words, they have not exercised any independent thought or research.
Thinking critically is an important skill. It is not thinking negatively but the ability to reason and being an active learner rather than a passive recipient of information. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas. Critical thinkers rigorously question ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them at face value. They will always seek to determine whether the ideas, arguments and findings represent the entire picture and are open to finding that they do not. Critical thinkers will identify, analyse and solve problems systematically rather than by intuition or instinct. Those who passively accept everything they see or hear are missing the concept of propaganda; a tool used by business and media to sell and coerce. Enormous corporations control just about everything seen on mainstream television. Through this control, they can promote their own desired agendas by putting their own spins on events. They can influence how people think about guns, about our nation's enemies, and about the food we eat. It's vital to think about how these corporations earn money – through advertising dollars. Will they really show the truth if it negatively affects their advertisers? Critical Thinkers are able to assess the information provided to them and distinguish the difference between facts and manipulations.
I encourage everyone to think for themselves (critically) and research other sources and points of view before reaching a conclusion and taking action. Avoid The Tin Foil Hat Club; when Crazy and Paranoid Interfere With Rational Thinking! Use Caution and Common Sense. Your mind is under attack by all manner of media, government, persons and entities! How will you defend it? Research all information from ALL sides to draw your own conclusion, not someone else's. Survival depends on determining truth from fiction. So, when you hear or read your next bit of information, Think about it Critically and weed out the crap.
Characteristics of a Critical Thinker:
[Article 1]
[Article 2]
[Article 3]
Advantages & Disadvantages of Critical Thinking
Characteristics of a Narrow Mind:
[Article 1]
[Article 2]
[Article 3]
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How to Choose Your News?
Get the unfiltered news before it got into the hands of sources that put their "spin" on it.
Avoid "real-time" news that may not have the facts but lots of speculation.
Read coverage from multiple outlets with multiple bias and slants (conservative, liberal, etc.).
Separate "Facts" from "Opinions". Words like "think", "likely" or "probably" indicate opinions.
Anonymous sources are a sign to be cautious about the level of truth.
Avoid spreading information that is not fact-based by doing your own, independent research.
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How to Spot Fake News? To discover the verifiability of a given news-piece in front of you, follow these criteria:
- Consider the Source
- Get the Whole Story
- Confirm the Author is Credible
- Find Supporting Resources
- Date the Information (is it current?)
- Is it too Outlandish - Is it a Joke?
- Are Your Beliefs Affecting Your Judgement?
- Fact-Check from Legitimate Sources ("experts")
For details on this topic, click here
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Bottom line: Staying informed with the most accurate, truthful, provable information will help to prepare for whatever is really brewing in the community and the world. Before believing a story and sharing information with others, it's good to thoroughly research from multiple resources with different points of view. Always keep in mind, while watching or listening to any news source, that they are a money-making entity. As such, they need to entertain, improve their ratings and grow their listening/viewer base (audience). Take their words, pictures and videos with a grain of salt. Do independent research from several other sources with other points of view; this may result in a true representation of what is actually happening.
Whatever you do, find a reliable news source and stay informed about what local, state and federal governments are doing to your Bill of Rights and communicate your opinions and wishes to your politicians. Your future, and the future of this country, depend on your diligence to stay informed and to take action.
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Stop Watching TV and Read a Book:
(TV is Mind Control through Physiological and Psychological Manipulation)
In 2016, it was estimated that the average American, starting at the young ripe age of two years old, watched more than 34 hours of television per week, plus an additional 3 hours of recorded media. Where do you think those numbers are now, given the world in turmoil since that time?
The more we watch TV, a state of hypnosis is induced to be content to just sit and continue watching thereby making it addictive as a habit to "veg" out. In less than one minute of television viewing, a person's brainwaves switch from Beta waves (active, logical thought) to primarily Alpha waves (a lower mental state, less evaluative, less critical, less able to discern truth from falsity, reality from unreality). A study found that when people stopped watching television and began reading a magazine, the brainwaves reverted to Beta waves.
Switching our attention constantly, seems addictive as well. We are drawn to short attention activity, checking our text/email messages, notifications, looking for attention from somewhere.
As real-life experience is increasingly replaced by the mediated 'experience' of television-viewing, it becomes easy for politicians and market-researchers of all sorts to rely on a base of mediated mass experience that can be evoked by appropriate triggers (you're being manipulated).
"Television is an anesthetic for the pain of the modern world" – Astrid Alauda
Read: Subliminal Messages; Do They Really Work?
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Journalist Despises His Profession: In 1975, we thought our quest was noble and we would become purveyors of the truth; skilled fact-finders and truth-tellers. 45 years later, having reached the top of my profession, I, generally, despise my own industry. Something I could never have predicted and am sad to say.
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GET & SPREAD TRUTH, NOT RUMORS:
In the past, I have been the purveyor of misinformation; sometimes to be malicious but often out of ignorance, assuming the information from others was truthful. I am trying to mend my ways and I still have my opinions which I will gladly share. There is enough anger and misunderstanding in this world and I hope to reduce my contribution to them. I encourage others to do the same.
Suggested Resources:
Misinformation vs Disinformation: What's the difference?
Can We Stop the Spread of Misinformation?
How to stop the spread of disinformation
Oftentimes news is "made", not just reported.
Different perspectives produce different results.
The battle to control information and sway public opinion: [Document]
[Video Part 1]
[Video Part 2]
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