Critical Thinking

Clearly both Rachel Maddow and John Stewart can be as critical thinkers. In the article “The Sarcastic Times” by Alyssa Quart we are able to see the similarities between Rachel Maddow and John Stewart with the Dewey/Glaser model of critical thinking presented by Fisher. Fisher describes this model of critical thinking to focus on being able to examine the knowledge or evidence that is readily available and to further interpret possible conclusions. Portraying everyday news may be simple for both Maddows and Stewart but nothing about what they do can be clearly defined as simple. Finding a creative way to add sarcasm and comedy to shows in a way that the viewer will both enjoy the news and understand it take a bit of thinking. In fact critical thinking is an oblivious component when considering how both Maddows and Stewart reach their final show debuts. They must interpret how the viewers will see and understand their information. This requires them to examine the knowledge that they bring and interpret the possible conclusions, which is what the Dewey/Glaser model is all about.

In the article “The Rage is not About Healthcare” by Frank Rich we find that the hate is not about healthcare at all, in fact it is about our current governing President Barrack Obama. They are more focused on the way that Obama is running our nation. Unlike Maddows and Stewart we find Frank’s approach less sarcastic and seriously lacking in the humor department. Frank’s approach is a very serious one. By this approach we are also able to conclude that Frank is a critical thinker. He approaches a different demographic that may not be reached by both Maddows and Stewart. However, he still has to be able to interpret his information and how the audience will receive it and what they will take from his information.