Left wing media bias or media just have mental-health issues?

[Martin Chriton]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/second-reading/gerald-caplan/can-americans-be-saved-from-themselves/article1870946/

Discuss. Illogical left wing rant that I was surprised to see on the G&M.

"

Of course the total depend on one’s definition of a mental disorder. Take the following facts, for example. According to a 2010 poll:

...

» 38 per cent of Republicans (20 per cent overall) say Mr. Obama is “doing many of the things that Hitler did;

...

Does this make them a) surprisingly shrewd, supremely ignorant, c) paranoid, or d) off their rockers? Choose one."

I'm sure the Democrats or Liberals wouldn't say the same thing about Bush/Harper, not.

[August1991]

Caplan has been a political activist all his life as a member of the CCF and its successor, the NDP. He was campaign manager in a series of election campaigns, both federal and provincial, including those for Ontario leader Donald C. MacDonald and national party leader David Lewis. A lifelong friend of David's son Stephen Lewis, he was also a close advisor and senior strategist to Lewis prior to and during his career as leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party in the 1970s. After a period serving as co-ordinator of Toronto's health advocacy unit from 1990 to 1982, Caplan returned to political work. From 1982 to 1984, Caplan was federal secretary of the New Democratic Party, and was national campaign manager for the 1984 general election.

Wikipedia

Gerald Caplan was born in the 1930s. I fear that we will face similar late-in-life rants as the boomers approach death. Old Leftists will view solidarity as consistency to their beliefs when younger (rather than viewing it as cooperation with those around them) and they will view their "radical" beliefs as evidence of their "youth" (as if people never grow old or die).

Caplan is the guy who had a heart in his twenties and has no brain in his forties.

-----

Why did the G&M publish this senile rant? Two reasons.

1) The only people buying the G&M are older people who know who Gerald Caplan is.

2) The G&M (like the NYT, CBC, CBS etc) is utterly confused with the Internet.

[Shwa]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/second-reading/gerald-caplan/can-americans-be-saved-from-themselves/article1870946/

Discuss. Illogical left wing rant that I was surprised to see on the G&M.

"Of course the total depend on one’s definition of a mental disorder. Take the following facts, for example. According to a 2010 poll:

...

» 38 per cent of Republicans (20 per cent overall) say Mr. Obama is “doing many of the things that Hitler did;

...

Does this make them a) surprisingly shrewd, supremely ignorant, c) paranoid, or d) off their rockers? Choose one."

I'm sure the Democrats or Liberals wouldn't say the same thing about Bush/Harper, not.

So are you going to actually discuss the content of the article and give a faithful examination of the assertions there? Or do you only have enough brains to dismiss it is "illogical left wing rant" because you are ashamed that some of the content that the 'Old Leftist's' article might actually be true?

PS - I would suggest a search of these forums for "left-wing media bias" to see how that notion has recently been completely dismantled.

[wyly]

So are you going to actually discuss the content of the article and give a faithful examination of the assertions there? Or do you only have enough brains to dismiss it is "illogical left wing rant" because you are ashamed that some of the content that the 'Old Leftist's' article might actually be true?

PS - I would suggest a search of these forums for "left-wing media bias" to see how that notion has recently been completely dismantled.

quite a good article, I'd question the mental health of anyone who thinks american politics is sane, that is one screwed up asylum...

[scribblet]

IMO this week's events showed the left wing media bias for what it is. However, I find it hard to believe that there is "a huge epidemic of mentally disturbed people, many with power and influence." that's stretching it.... Neither does believing that Obama is socialist make anyone mentally disturbed, by the lites of some, the CPC would be socialist. It's the difference in their politics and view points.

The media is supposed to report, not bend and shape the news to their own ideological bent - don't we wish !

[Shwa]

The media is supposed to report, not bend and shape the news to their own ideological bent - don't we wish !

So that's what the the "media" is supposed to do. Oh, now I get it. Thank you for this thoroughly insightful comment about the "media."

[bush_cheney2004]

quite a good article, I'd question the mental health of anyone who thinks american politics is sane, that is one screwed up asylum...

I'd take it even further than that to include the domestic obsession with American politics that provokes the article in the first place. Fascinating!

[scribblet]

So that's what the the "media" is supposed to do. Oh, now I get it. Thank you for this thoroughly insightful comment about the "media."

You are most welcome, I aim to please.

[Evening Star]

I'd take it even further than that to include the domestic obsession with American politics that provokes the article in the first place. Fascinating!

Is it really that hard to understand, considering that the US is our neighbour and largest trading partner, has 10 times our population, and is the most powerful country in the world? (On a personal level, my connections to the US go well beyond this so I do maintain an interest in US politics.)

Edited January 15, 2011 by Evening Star

[bush_cheney2004]

Is it really that hard to understand, considering that the US is our neighbour and largest trading partner, has 10 times our population, and is the most powerful country in the world? (On a personal level, my connections to the US go well beyond this so I do maintain an interest in US politics.)

No...it is very easy to understand, no matter how neurotic such interests may be. I have gone beyond the simple matter of debating topical subjects posted here vis-a-vis the United States, as that has been done to death. It is now far more interesting just to read the shear scope and depth that American culture seemingly has on Canada and its domestic discourse based on MLW member postings. MH and I have discussed this at length in other threads.

I just never realized how overwhelming the influence was/is. Frankly....I would find it to be quite suffocating. No wonder there is such lingering resentment by some Canadians.

To your other point, I have no personal connection to Canada. I don't live or die based on what happens there.

Edited January 15, 2011 by bush_cheney2004

[Michael Hardner]

I just never realized how overwhelming the influence was/is. Frankly....I would find it to be quite suffocating. No wonder there is such lingering resentment by some Canadians.

Actually, I find it quite liberating. I also think it explains why many media figures are able to succeed in the US after spending their formative years on the outside looking in.

But, yes, the culture overwhelm - it causes resentment, jealousy and the false sense that one is as American, or knows America in every way as well as every American.

I would say that for the things that are knowable via television, Canadians and Americans are pretty much the same. For other things, there are greater differences, though still not so great. Maybe the differences are slightly more than state-to-state differences.

Let me put it this way: in how many other countries could you be surprised to find out that a friend or colleague isn't a countryman ? This happens with Canada/US all the time. Where else ?

But, B_C, you may have a sense now of the Canadian cultural diet, comprised of American staples. When we watch our shows, we're looking at American cities... New York, Los Angeles... Forgive them if they think they know the US as intimately as Americans do.

[kimmy]

I'm sure the Democrats or Liberals wouldn't say the same thing about Bush/Harper, not.

Yeah, the irrational beliefs about Obama seem pretty crazy. Then you think back a few years and recall stuff that was written about Bush and Cheney, or look at stuff that some Canadians are saying about Harper...

-k

[bush_cheney2004]

Actually, I find it quite liberating. I also think it explains why many media figures are able to succeed in the US after spending their formative years on the outside looking in.

But, yes, the culture overwhelm - it causes resentment, jealousy and the false sense that one is as American, or knows America in every way as well as every American.

Yes...we have confirmed this before...to the point that Canadians can better communicate with each other by using American references. The Globe article is a an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink rant that hits many American talking points in the politics space, trying in the end to leverage some domestic political advantage. It is consistent with Canadian political ads come campaign season, yet there was much disdain for the same methods used by American media during their health care debate (i.e. Shona Holmes).

I would say that for the things that are knowable via television, Canadians and Americans are pretty much the same. For other things, there are greater differences, though still not so great. Maybe the differences are slightly more than state-to-state differences.

Let me put it this way: in how many other countries could you be surprised to find out that a friend or colleague isn't a countryman ? This happens with Canada/US all the time. Where else ?

It is far more common than you may think in my opinion....particularly in the workplace be it Canada or the US. I have seen Canadians try to "cloak" themselves in a US setting, but don't know how common it is for Americans in Canada.

But, B_C, you may have a sense now of the Canadian cultural diet, comprised of American staples. When we watch our shows, we're looking at American cities... New York, Los Angeles... Forgive them if they think they know the US as intimately as Americans do.

OK, but I am more interested in why some may think it is "shoved down their throats". Is it the lack of domestic content and production, or an actual desire to have all the advantages of America without any of the disadvantages? Today, millions of Canadians will watch...the NFL...without a gun held to their heads (pun intended).

[Michael Hardner]

OK, but I am more interested in why some may think it is "shoved down their throats". Is it the lack of domestic content and production, or an actual desire to have all the advantages of America without any of the disadvantages? Today, millions of Canadians will watch...the NFL...without a gun held to their heads (pun intended).

Shoved down their throats ? Maybe they think that because you can't get away from the saturation of US culture in our country; so, yes, lack of domestic culture and production would be it.

"To have all the advantages of America" in Canada is a subjective call and I imagine most Canadians would rate our proximity as a kind of mixed blessing.

[bush_cheney2004]

Shoved down their throats ? Maybe they think that because you can't get away from the saturation of US culture in our country; so, yes, lack of domestic culture and production would be it.

But some Canadians clearly can and do, particularly in Quebec...yet the animosity can be even greater there. Some members here have disconnected from the garden variety media onslaught, only to embrace the same content via the Web. Perhaps they can throttle the media fire hose better this way.

"To have all the advantages of America" in Canada is a subjective call and I imagine most Canadians would rate our proximity as a kind of mixed blessing.

Agreed...that is the conclusion I am coming to as well. Given the practical geography and economics, what are Canadians to do? The "crazy neighbours" with hand guns are their best customers, so best to keep a close eye on them? Still, the frustration may come from not being able to do anything about it, hence it is "sad".

[dre]

So that's what the the "media" is supposed to do. Oh, now I get it. Thank you for this thoroughly insightful comment about the "media."

No the "media" is supposed to make money for shareholders. PERIOD. That is their ONLY responsibility under the current paradigm.

[Michael Hardner]

But some Canadians clearly can and do, particularly in Quebec...yet the animosity can be even greater there. Some members here have disconnected from the garden variety media onslaught, only to embrace the same content via the Web. Perhaps they can throttle the media fire hose better this way.

Maybe. I don't know that Quebec has particular concerns around American content vs. English Canadian content. They prefer home grown for all media as far as I am aware, and they support it as well.

Agreed...that is the conclusion I am coming to as well. Given the practical geography and economics, what are Canadians to do? The "crazy neighbours" with hand guns are their best customers, so best to keep a close eye on them? Still, the frustration may come from not being able to do anything about it, hence it is "sad".

They should visit the US. Most do already, but an affinity for at least *some* of the US will provide enough of a wake-up that we're closer culturally than we appear to be sometimes.

[dre]

Maybe. I don't know that Quebec has particular concerns around American content vs. English Canadian content. They prefer home grown for all media as far as I am aware, and they support it as well.

They should visit the US. Most do already, but an affinity for at least *some* of the US will provide enough of a wake-up that we're closer culturally than we appear to be sometimes.

Especially visit the "Canadian States"... those are the ones down both coasts that make all the money. Most Canadians wont even notice theyre in a different country. Sure... if you travel through the bible belt there might be some culture shock, but Canada has a bible belt too full of the same kind of folks.

This map here shows the CULTURAL borders in North America as opposed to the national borders.

http://sandhill.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/jland.jpg

[Smallc]

http://sandhill.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/jland.jpg

Most of Alberta and parts of SK/MB could probably join Jesusland though.

Edited January 15, 2011 by Smallc

[Evening Star]

They should visit the US. Most do already, but an affinity for at least *some* of the US will provide enough of a wake-up that we're closer culturally than we appear to be sometimes.

Especially visit the "Canadian States"... those are the ones down both coasts that make all the money. Most Canadians wont even notice theyre in a different country.

Interesting... It was only after living in a 'Canadian state' that I did notice most of the differences...

[dre]

Interesting... It was only after living in a 'Canadian state' that I did notice most of the differences...

Thats not what Iv found. I notice a huge different between Canadian states like Oregon, and Jesus Land states like Utah, or Kentucky.

A person from Newyork will experience the exact same culture shock if they visit a southern ex-slave state that a Canadian will. National borders are not necessarily a major factor when it comes to culture. If anything Urban VS Rural is a much bigger factor. Albertans are more likely to share the outlook and values of a person from Montana than they are a person from BC, and so on.

[dre]

Most of Alberta and parts of SK/MB could probably join Jesusland though.

Yes thats because like I said in my last post National Borders dont determine culture (although they are certainly a factor).

[Smallc]

Yes thats because like I said in my last post National Borders dont determine culture (although they are certainly a factor).

Yeah, I know, I was referring to the map you posted.

[Michael Hardner]

Especially visit the "Canadian States"... those are the ones down both coasts that make all the money. Most Canadians wont even notice theyre in a different country.

Those are 'gateway states'. I tried that in 2005, then while in the Sierra Nevada mountains, I took a quick trip and found myself in Nevada, and soon I was hooked bad. Also, it was cold one winter and I took some advice from a friendly stranger "try Florida... it'll warm you up...".

I did, and the very next year I couldn't get FLA out of my mind... I found myself visiting cheap flight websites in secret every night....

[bush_cheney2004]

...I did, and the very next year I couldn't get FLA out of my mind... I found myself visiting cheap flight websites in secret every night....

So you are adding climate to the list of love-hate America attributes. The "Canadian States" model is flawed in this respect as well.