I still have conversations with Fox News watching individuals (and some actual informed republicans) and the thing I have no answer for is the "fake news" argument. If I try to send information from even the most benign source (Snopes.com, for example) they say it is linked to George Soros (or some other BS "liberal media elite" argument) and therefore it is illegitimate. As a teacher, I am working with students to help them figure out how to use (and consume) the internet in a responsible way that will help them learn and shape their own thoughts and ideas. But I cannot do the same with my middle aged friends who are stuck in their Fox "news" bubble. This "fake news" plague is something that is going to be with us for the foreseeable future, and I cannot figure out how to counteract it. Thoughts?
Just wanted to say sorry you have to deal with that ... it's a total bummer. THANK YOU for helping teach people who to use the internet in a responsible way!
One thing you might consider is doing something akin to what (I believe Tommy, but possibly Dan) mentioned about election interference earlier in the week: ask them who told them that, and ask them to consider if that person might have a vested interest in having them believe that.
These people listen to Fox News, probably in part because Fox tells them it's the only channel they can trust, so highlight the idea that following that logic is very financially USEFUL for Fox News, and the degree to which Fox News and the White House are parasitically/symbiotically linked (ie, how the former co-president of Fox, after he was forced to resign due to scandals, became a member of the Trump administration, and only left that job to work the Trump campaign.)
Point out that there are plenty of anti-Trump conservatives such as Bill Kristol, Jennifer Rubin, former presidents of Fox itself who will agree that the network is now functionally propaganda for the White House. Point out the number of Fox news people who have left, or been criticized, or struggled with the administration, and ask "Are these the people you're listening to, or is the ones who attacked them?"
The skepticism of "Fake News" is a powerful tool for denying sources, but if you can turn it on itself, it can be a powerful tool for breaking that same bubble.
The great irony of the Trump bubble is that his supporters believe his incessant lies, and refuse to believe truth even when it breaks through to them. Breaking through that disinformation ecosystem to restore a functional, healthy democracy to serve the public good is one hell of a task. Keep serving up the insightful analysis that calls bullshit on what’s wrong, and with enough good humour to keep you all sane, guys. Thanks for all that you do.
Excellent piece. The toughest part is to stop Fox again setting the agenda as they did during the past 2 democratic presidencies. 2022 is also a vital election and the waves manufactured by Republicans in 94 and 2010 were devastating
Dan, can you write about something I believe I heard from you on the pod, about how the in the Five-Eyes English speaking countries (US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand), the ones infected with Rupert Murdoch news are in a mess (US, UK, Aus) and the ones who aren't are fairing well (Canada, NZ)? I'd like to know what it is that Canada and New Zealand have done to control or blunt the effects of Murdoch in their countries and if we can do the same here through governmental action?
I believe they will have to do that if Democrats talk bold action to fix our democracy. They can live in a bubble because they don't need to appeal a majority of voters
I still have conversations with Fox News watching individuals (and some actual informed republicans) and the thing I have no answer for is the "fake news" argument. If I try to send information from even the most benign source (Snopes.com, for example) they say it is linked to George Soros (or some other BS "liberal media elite" argument) and therefore it is illegitimate. As a teacher, I am working with students to help them figure out how to use (and consume) the internet in a responsible way that will help them learn and shape their own thoughts and ideas. But I cannot do the same with my middle aged friends who are stuck in their Fox "news" bubble. This "fake news" plague is something that is going to be with us for the foreseeable future, and I cannot figure out how to counteract it. Thoughts?
Just wanted to say sorry you have to deal with that ... it's a total bummer. THANK YOU for helping teach people who to use the internet in a responsible way!
One thing you might consider is doing something akin to what (I believe Tommy, but possibly Dan) mentioned about election interference earlier in the week: ask them who told them that, and ask them to consider if that person might have a vested interest in having them believe that.
These people listen to Fox News, probably in part because Fox tells them it's the only channel they can trust, so highlight the idea that following that logic is very financially USEFUL for Fox News, and the degree to which Fox News and the White House are parasitically/symbiotically linked (ie, how the former co-president of Fox, after he was forced to resign due to scandals, became a member of the Trump administration, and only left that job to work the Trump campaign.)
Point out that there are plenty of anti-Trump conservatives such as Bill Kristol, Jennifer Rubin, former presidents of Fox itself who will agree that the network is now functionally propaganda for the White House. Point out the number of Fox news people who have left, or been criticized, or struggled with the administration, and ask "Are these the people you're listening to, or is the ones who attacked them?"
The skepticism of "Fake News" is a powerful tool for denying sources, but if you can turn it on itself, it can be a powerful tool for breaking that same bubble.
The great irony of the Trump bubble is that his supporters believe his incessant lies, and refuse to believe truth even when it breaks through to them. Breaking through that disinformation ecosystem to restore a functional, healthy democracy to serve the public good is one hell of a task. Keep serving up the insightful analysis that calls bullshit on what’s wrong, and with enough good humour to keep you all sane, guys. Thanks for all that you do.
Yes! Crooked Media has been a sanity saver. I hope all you Obama alums continue to find a way to inform with honesty and encouragement to act. Thanks!
Excellent piece. The toughest part is to stop Fox again setting the agenda as they did during the past 2 democratic presidencies. 2022 is also a vital election and the waves manufactured by Republicans in 94 and 2010 were devastating
Dan, can you write about something I believe I heard from you on the pod, about how the in the Five-Eyes English speaking countries (US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand), the ones infected with Rupert Murdoch news are in a mess (US, UK, Aus) and the ones who aren't are fairing well (Canada, NZ)? I'd like to know what it is that Canada and New Zealand have done to control or blunt the effects of Murdoch in their countries and if we can do the same here through governmental action?
I believe they will have to do that if Democrats talk bold action to fix our democracy. They can live in a bubble because they don't need to appeal a majority of voters