Commentary
The most significant change in public culture over the past five years has been the erosion of trust in mainstream media. It is not just that many of the narratives presented are inaccurate, but rather that we have become aware of the manipulation and agenda behind them. The media often crafts stories to influence public opinion in ways that serve specific interests, a reality that has become glaringly obvious in recent times.
When Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman published “Manufacturing Consent” 37 years ago, I acknowledged its insights but did not fully internalize them. Despite recognizing the biases, I maintained a dependency on outlets like the New York Times, believing I could extract value despite their partiality. I associated reading such publications with a certain social status, a realization that I now find somewhat regrettable.
It wasn’t until the pandemic narrative unfolded that I truly grasped the extent of misinformation being propagated. A pivotal moment for me was on Feb. 27, 2020, when a podcast I regularly listened to began stoking public panic over a pathogen, a departure from their usual tone of calm and reason during previous health crises. This marked a turning point in my perception of mainstream news.
Subsequently, the mainstream media appeared to align with a predetermined narrative, amplifying government directives and contributing to a climate of fear and confusion. Dissenting voices were silenced, and skepticism was met with accusations of spreading misinformation. The handling of the pandemic, the election process, and subsequent events only deepened my skepticism towards mainstream sources.
Despite the efforts to maintain the narrative, public trust in mainstream media has waned significantly. The events of the past few years have exposed the biases and manipulations that have long been present, echoing the warnings of Chomsky and Herman. It is a sobering realization, but a necessary one for critical thinking and informed citizenship.
Despite this, the public has caught on to the game. We understand the tactics and are less likely to fall for them in the future.
The latest target of the New York Times’ campaign is the popular cultural phenomenon of Shen Yun, a dance and music troupe with performances across the United States and worldwide. Despite operating without government funding or large foundation support, Shen Yun remains profitable.
The newspaper has launched a series of attacks against Shen Yun, reminiscent of past coverage like Russiagate and COVID, filled with bluster but lacking substance. It’s clear to us what’s really going on.
Media credibility has taken a hit in various areas, as outlets that prioritize government and corporate narratives over independent reporting lose public trust. With the rise of citizen journalism, there is now a check on the power of mainstream media.
As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with open eyes and hope for true cultural renewal based on decentralized truth-seeking. The era of blindly accepting news is over, and there is a sense of determination for a more transparent future.
Through these experiences, we have gained a deeper understanding of how the world operates. While it has been a challenging journey, we are now better equipped to navigate the complexities of the media landscape.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may not reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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