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In the light of the recent events in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, one thing makes an impression. And that is the general level of irrationality in the public discourse, particularly on issues that are potentially double-sided (i.e. controversial). The moment something unusual (or often: ordinary) happens, the first knee-jerk reactions of the public are almost invariably predictable to the very last bit. The main element there is, of course, this shrieky histery, conveniently fuelled by the media for the sake of sensationalism, and subsequently, for achieving ratings and/or sales.
And because this sounds too general, here are two examples.
One. A plane carrying the Polish political elite crashes down on its way to Russia because of bad weather and because the smartheads on board insisted that it's very important that the plane lands "here and NOW", thus disregarding the technical capabilities of the craft and the professional position of the pilot.
First public reaction: "Evil Russia. Putin crash plane. Boycott Russia! Putin, confess!"
Two. A fleet of ships carrying aid sets to Gaza despite previous warnings from Israel that they should respect the imposed shipping embargo. As they approach Israeli waters, naturally they're met by Israeli troops/guard, who demand to check the cargo. They check some of the ships, but the crew on one of the ships is carrying knives and has prepared the cameras to shoot what will happen. As the troops board the ship, those guys bring out the knives, the Israelis freak out and start shooting. The same evening, all media are posting pictures of dead bodies being carried out of the ship.
First public reaction: "Evil Israel. Netanyahu murderer. He kill innocent activists. Boycott Israel!"
Naturally, the actual facts about such incidents begin to surface only later and the picture starts to clear out somewhat; but unfortunately by that time the story has already been beaten to death, the public has re-confirmed their preliminarily decided opinions through listening/watching their respectively chosen echo-chambers who've told them exactly what they had expected to hear, and the newly acquired evidence matters no more, and no-one cares about it anyway. Actually, facts and evidence has never mattered that much for this beast that we call the General Public; and given the scope of people's attention span (hint: it's close to nill), it'd be naive to expect that anyone would really care about it.
So, yeah. Do regurgitate whatever talking points you've readily got in store on either of the above stories (or any other, to that matter). After all, we all need to hear our own voices from time to time.
Note: I have not said a word about my position on the Israel/Palestine issue. And why should I? Isn't it more exciting that Israel killed innocent activists?
(x-posted)
And because this sounds too general, here are two examples.
One. A plane carrying the Polish political elite crashes down on its way to Russia because of bad weather and because the smartheads on board insisted that it's very important that the plane lands "here and NOW", thus disregarding the technical capabilities of the craft and the professional position of the pilot.
First public reaction: "Evil Russia. Putin crash plane. Boycott Russia! Putin, confess!"
Two. A fleet of ships carrying aid sets to Gaza despite previous warnings from Israel that they should respect the imposed shipping embargo. As they approach Israeli waters, naturally they're met by Israeli troops/guard, who demand to check the cargo. They check some of the ships, but the crew on one of the ships is carrying knives and has prepared the cameras to shoot what will happen. As the troops board the ship, those guys bring out the knives, the Israelis freak out and start shooting. The same evening, all media are posting pictures of dead bodies being carried out of the ship.
First public reaction: "Evil Israel. Netanyahu murderer. He kill innocent activists. Boycott Israel!"
Naturally, the actual facts about such incidents begin to surface only later and the picture starts to clear out somewhat; but unfortunately by that time the story has already been beaten to death, the public has re-confirmed their preliminarily decided opinions through listening/watching their respectively chosen echo-chambers who've told them exactly what they had expected to hear, and the newly acquired evidence matters no more, and no-one cares about it anyway. Actually, facts and evidence has never mattered that much for this beast that we call the General Public; and given the scope of people's attention span (hint: it's close to nill), it'd be naive to expect that anyone would really care about it.
So, yeah. Do regurgitate whatever talking points you've readily got in store on either of the above stories (or any other, to that matter). After all, we all need to hear our own voices from time to time.
Note: I have not said a word about my position on the Israel/Palestine issue. And why should I? Isn't it more exciting that Israel killed innocent activists?
(x-posted)
