Critical Thinking

I think it is fair to state that sarcastic and opinionated news reporters, Rachel Maddow and John Stewart, present critically thought out point of views on their television programs. All news programs and the like function, or at least aim to function, in a way that both presents a narrative on current public issues while enticing viewers to their particular network. Much debate can be held as to whether or not such popular media figure heads abuse this function – as both Bill O’Reilly and Jon Stewart have butted heads over on numerous occasions – but the delivery of such critical thought can greatly hurt and mask ones point if not done so in a cautious way. I have no doubt that outspoken Rove and Boehner, mentioned in Rich’s article “Rage Is Not About Health Care”, may have originally formed their opinions in an active and persistent manner. However, what Alex Fisher cited as an important factor in developing critical thought is the attention paid to being “careful”. Both Maddow and Stewart pay careful attention to the delivery of their information, noting that satire and comedic relief (emphasis on the “relief”) are generally nice changes of pace from the more staunch, stiff views of arguing political heads relying on voice level and cheap character bashing to win compliance from audiences. Rove and Boehner may have had valid points to make, but those were masked due to their lack of care applied to the delivery. It is not just important to develop and search for a personal, critical opinion, but it can be equally, if not more important, to plan its presentation.