You Tube Debates and Media Bias

Have you been watching the newest craze in political advertising? Yes, politics has now joined with You Tube, gathering questions from the public instead of having the questions created by left-winged CNN producers. Of course the questions used for the debates are still chosen by the left-winged CNN producers. That became ridiculously apparent during the latest republican You tube debate.

Of the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of video-taped questions sent into You Tube only a handful were chosen. For the democratic debate held earlier this month, the questions focused on the war, medical insurance reform, foreign policy and of course immigration. But for the republican debate the questions chosen were largely about the Bible, gays in the military, guns and "what if" abortion questions.

I found it irritating that the biases of the producers were served instead of focusing on the issues that Americans want to hear about - you know, those things that a president might actually be involved in doing something about.

I also found it irritating to have the audience constantly cheering or booing loudly in the background. It was like having a laugh track in the background attempting to influence the feelings and views of the home audience. It did influence the answers of the candidates, and that was most unfortunate.

OK, this article isn't exactly entertaining, but politics is a huge part of our life, and I believe that expressing disdain for the way the debates were handled is a good way to do my part. I mean, if the media effects our life - and it does - then why not speak up and let them know exactly what they can do better next time.

Expressing yourself without apology is a great way to enjoy your life.

Are We All Bigots?

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There is an interesting game show that started this summer called "Without Prejudice." The host is a Clinical Psychologist who works with CNN from time to time.

Each game has 5 contestants who don't do anything. They are sequestered in a soundproof room backstage. On stage are 5 people from various walks of life who have the job of determining which of the 5 contestants "deserves" to be awarded $25,000. After each elimination the panelists see a brief clip of each of the contestants talking about their life. And with each new piece of information they receive they have to decide who should be voted off next, until they are left with one person - the winner.

Although the name of the show is Without Prejudice, it is glaringly obvious that all of the panelists are overflowing with judgments, fallacious assumptions and religious, moral or other prejudices. Few admit to their own bigoted or prejudicial feelings, but the truth is that participating in such a forum would not be possible without personal judgments. This begs the question, Are we hypocrites when we say we are non-judgmental or tolerant of others' lifestyles?

I found the show to be an incredible study into the microcosm of humanity and how all of us are judgmental and biased from time to time, without merit or vindication.

I think this show helps the viewer think about their personal biases. It may even help people to get real about how they form their own "first impressions."