Critical Thinking

Rachel Maddow and Jon Stuart are obviously critical thinkers because they take a satirical stand to mainstream news. They poke fun and joke about serious matters that other news stations would present very seriously. It is refreshing to have an insightful view of accurate news that does not take itself too seriously. Both Stuart and Maddow put their own satirical twist on the news which, although it is funny, does have legitimate logical insight about media and politics. Maddow and Stuart urge their audience to take a step back and think about the media messages they are exposed to everyday. The stark contrast between an average news show and these critical thinkers, is that they present a story and give social commentary on the story. Their bias is purposeful and unique, rather than a network news anchor who gives the false impression of a non biased perspective. Stuart and Maddow's bias was designed to elicit critical thinking from its audience in a comedic manner.

The Barney Frank and John Lewis incident does not fall under the John Dewey model. Dewey implies that we do not make quick, irrational decisions on a whim. However, mobs using violence against the healthcare bill appear to be acting on sheer emotional and careless pretense. Rich, on the other hand, thinks that healthcare is not the huge concern but rather is a scapegoat to vent frustration with the whole administration. Rich, critically examines the situation through the eyes of a person upset with the Obama administration and its' legislation. His critical reasoning is designed to report news to a more conservative constituency rather than Stuart's younger, more liberal audience. He is able to take a step back and view the situation from a more holistic point of view by thinking critically.