Perspective.
Critical analysis.
Common sense thinking.
All things that traditionally have been used to administer the "Bullshit Test".
Historically, social, political, and economic developments were viewed through the prism of considered thought, timely contemplation, and a distinct lack of immediacy. Today, that's hardly ever the case.
Twenty four hour cable news networks, internet news sources, Blogs, Podcasts, Blackberries, and immediate search engines provide anyone with an overwhelming source of input, without regard to quality or agenda of source.
While this immediate distribution network provides nearly instant reporting on events and conditions around the world, it also prevents any considered analysis.
It causes reporters to become time fillers, analysts without portfolios, and jumpers to conclusions.
And, it causes viewers and readers to become overwhelmed by information to the point where they analyze none of it.
With all of this immediacy comes the requirement and result that objective journalism becomes far down the list of objectives.
Getting the story first, with the most dramatic positioning, most amazing visual images, and fastest “man-on-the-street" reaction has become more important than factual verification.
In times past, news reports filtered in over hours, days, or weeks from a variety of different reporting sources.
Most were vetted by the reporters themselves, who were held to high standards by editors and publishers concerned with getting it right, as well as getting it first.
And during that time between the first bulletin and the later, more in-depth coverage, people had the opportunity to do something interesting: they had the time to comprehend … to understand … to consider ... to analyze… to think.
To give what they were being fed the "Bullshit Test".
Before forming their opinions, and before voicing their reactions.
They had the benefit of perspective brought about by the distance of time.
While the immediacy of today’s new coverage can prevent this type of time perspective, it also can support a wider, more carefully considered critical analysis.
Today’s wider range of sources, from blogs and Podcasts, as well as instant video and electronic correspondents, can support and encourage a similar analysis and consideration by the consumer.
The very existence of Snopes.com is proof that some folks still do some checking, and that often the common or published knowledge is dead wrong.
As in most cases, technology is a double edged sword when it comes to reporting news.
Without analysis, consideration, and evaluation by the ultimate consumer, the quantity will overwhelm the quality.
And, the resulting conclusions will be mostly wrong.
Consider that whenever you read or view something, you hold the key to findin' out what it means, and how much bullshit it contains.
Salt and sugar look the same without the critical analysis of things like taste.
“The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis.” --- Dalai Lama
