Though I reserve the right to post and comment on any and all subjects (social, political, religious, etc.) that attract my curiosity, Media Manners is primarily a forum for analyzing how print and television media outlets (and their star pundits) cover the news. Media criticism is the name of the game, and this blog aims to expose the lapses in media coverage that lead to the propagation of spin, talking points, myths and outright lies, whether told by journalists, politicians or joe public. This blog also aims to deconstruct popular memes that lack basis in objective fact.
While this blog is a forum for expressing opinion, it is also a method to collect information and encourage you, the reader, to explore the topics of discussion on your own. In this regard, I will try to include links associated with the content of each post so that you may explore away.
I will also be posting links to news stories of interest, videos and, of course, I will post your comments*. I will unabashedly promote the cause of press freedom and freedom of expression. I will focus a great deal of analysis on how the media covers political extremism on the right and left. Pseudo-science will also get the scorn, and so too will religious extremism of all shapes, angles and colors.
I have no political party affiliation. I obey only my conscience and respect only free thought. The only institution I admire is participatory and representative democracy. I harbor no prejudice based on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or religious or political persuasion, except that which is antithetical and in opposition to democracy and free expression.
*Comments will be moderated. Hate, slander, vitriol and conspiracy-mongering will not be tolerated. Rational, thoughtful disagreements, however, are welcomed.
