Wordplay on life

This is something I have noticed for quite awhile now, but it seems to have become even more prominent in the past few months. I am talking about the semantics used by the media. Without a doubt, the media uses certain words and language to skew news stories to fit their agenda. This occurs in media polls, statisitcs and news stories.

What prompted me to write this blog entry was an article in the Kansas City Star about the lawsuit against Dr. George Tiller and his abortion clinic in Wichita. I noticed the use of the term "anti-abortion" when referring to those who support the lawsuit. I did some research and the Kansas City Star commonly uses the terms "pro-choice" when speaking of those supporting abortion rights and "anti-abortion" when speaking of those supporting the right to life.

The use of the word "anti" in our society always has a negative connotation. Some prime examples are "anti-Semantic" and "antichrist" both which have extremely negative connotations. Now, it should come as no suprise that the Kansas City Star is not supportative of the right for life. I am not picking on the Star alone. Most of the media uses these terms that seek to skew the right to life issue to seem like pro-choice is a freedom and anti-abortion is a restriction. The media paints the right to life movement as suppressing the freedoms of women by the use of the word "anti" and it has an impact on people.

The idea of a balanced and fair media is not something I think anyone would believe. But, I think it is also important for us to be aware of the subtle ways in which they seek to push their agenda. It helps us to recognize articles that skew the story being reported and gives us the opportunity to "read between the lines" to find the real story. Until next time...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 22:15 | link | comments |
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