Why I Read The Nation and Mother Jones
This is an interesting question that I only know part of the answer to. First of all, most Americans, notwithstanding their intentions, simply don't rely on alternative sources of media. One shouldn't blame them for this, as mainstream media (MSM) won't dare promote it. Much of the funding for alternative publications, media outlets and activism comes from dedicated citizens. This unfortunately is a pittance compared to the millions poured into MSM by corporations all across the spectrum. The seemingly endless commercials for pharmaceuticals, junk food and new technological and automotive wonders is a poignant example of this.
We know where MSM's bread is buttered, but that still doesn't fully explain the comparative non-existence of alternative media. I believe it has to do with a deeper issue: that, despite signs pointing otherwise, most people want a sense of comfort. Although all MSM stories aren't exactly comforting, it caters to this desire by not delving into issues given prominent attention in alternative news. Magazines such as Mother Jones and The Nation and TV stations like Democracy Now!,The Young Turks and Al Jazeera provide insights that were previously foreign to the majority of people. They give new perspectives on the environment, the economy, the military-industrial complex and a host of other issues which MSM hardly touches, if at all. The unwillingness of many Americans to expose themselves to these publications and news outlets is sad because these same people could become a part of the solution to their upsetting dilemmas.
No one should insist that devoted MSM supporters abandon their practices entirely and rely solely on alternative media for information. That would have limiting and perhaps unsettling effect on the populace. Rather, Americans across economic, political, social divides should be encouraged to broaden their exposure to different issues. This prevents people from becoming locked into ideologies that may not be in their best interest. Ultimately the choice must be up to the individuals themselves. If people feel connected with certain arguments being put out, whether by MSM or not, they should readily lend support to the growing number of those commendable perpetrators of such arguments.
We know where MSM's bread is buttered, but that still doesn't fully explain the comparative non-existence of alternative media. I believe it has to do with a deeper issue: that, despite signs pointing otherwise, most people want a sense of comfort. Although all MSM stories aren't exactly comforting, it caters to this desire by not delving into issues given prominent attention in alternative news. Magazines such as Mother Jones and The Nation and TV stations like Democracy Now!,The Young Turks and Al Jazeera provide insights that were previously foreign to the majority of people. They give new perspectives on the environment, the economy, the military-industrial complex and a host of other issues which MSM hardly touches, if at all. The unwillingness of many Americans to expose themselves to these publications and news outlets is sad because these same people could become a part of the solution to their upsetting dilemmas.
No one should insist that devoted MSM supporters abandon their practices entirely and rely solely on alternative media for information. That would have limiting and perhaps unsettling effect on the populace. Rather, Americans across economic, political, social divides should be encouraged to broaden their exposure to different issues. This prevents people from becoming locked into ideologies that may not be in their best interest. Ultimately the choice must be up to the individuals themselves. If people feel connected with certain arguments being put out, whether by MSM or not, they should readily lend support to the growing number of those commendable perpetrators of such arguments.
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