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It is incredibly rare you will see me comment on a presidential tweet. I don't think it's a productive way to govern. However, messages like this are dangerous and do actual harm.
Which brings me to this #SundaySoapbox, the press.
#mepolitics
Which brings me to this #SundaySoapbox, the press.
#mepolitics
It is absolutely acceptable to criticize the press for specific actions on a specific story (excluding information, using bad optics, bias, etc).
I do this all the time.
#SundaySoapbox
I do this all the time.
#SundaySoapbox
It's also very important to be aware that different publications have different focus. You aren't going to get the same story from @HuffPostPol that will from @FoxNews.
Absorb this information accordingly, including adjusting your expectations on quality.
#SundaySoapbox
Absorb this information accordingly, including adjusting your expectations on quality.
#SundaySoapbox
You don't expect the same experience or quality from a @McDonalds as a @RuthsChris, nor should you.
It's fine to have both, but maybe not daily McD's for your health and expect to pay a bit more for the steakhouse so they have the resources for a quality cut.
#SundaySoapbox
It's fine to have both, but maybe not daily McD's for your health and expect to pay a bit more for the steakhouse so they have the resources for a quality cut.
#SundaySoapbox
If you know you are consuming junk food, don't pretend it's steak.
Leave the nutty stories for Hollywood.
#SundaySoapbox
Leave the nutty stories for Hollywood.
#SundaySoapbox
Journalism plays a vital role in democracy. Good journalism helps us know when people are honest and when people are doing their job (or not).
#SundaySoapbox
#SundaySoapbox
Unpleasant facts are not the same thing as fake news. Fake news is a term we just shouldn't use.
Either a story is true and accurate, or not true. There is certainly with some room for perspective if it's an opinion piece, but basic facts should be constant.
#SundaySoapbox
Either a story is true and accurate, or not true. There is certainly with some room for perspective if it's an opinion piece, but basic facts should be constant.
#SundaySoapbox
If the story is accurate and complete, but still unfavorable to you, consider that the issue *might* not be the journalism.
#SundaySoapbox
#SundaySoapbox
The above isn't new.
What I would like to focus on is solutions out of this gross place we've let journalism and criticism thereof go to.
If someone uses the term "fake news", consider why they are using it, and whether they have an interest in the story.
#SundaySoapbox
What I would like to focus on is solutions out of this gross place we've let journalism and criticism thereof go to.
If someone uses the term "fake news", consider why they are using it, and whether they have an interest in the story.
#SundaySoapbox
Here is the thing about fake news...
It's on us.
If we don't reject the term, it will become a permanent part of our daily lives blurring the line between unpleasant facts and untrue statements.
#SundaySoapbox
It's on us.
If we don't reject the term, it will become a permanent part of our daily lives blurring the line between unpleasant facts and untrue statements.
#SundaySoapbox
If a "journalist" calls something "fake news" because they don't like it, say something to the station/publication that you cannot take them seriously while they use that term, then STOP WATCHING that show or subscribing to that source.
#SundaySoapbox
#SundaySoapbox
If you see someone on twitter, facebook, insta, proclaiming "fake news" for a seemingly true story they don't like the facts of, point that out and then unfollow. Decrease the audience.
#SundaySoapbox
#SundaySoapbox
If you know someone personally who uses the term "fake news", politely ask them why and what part of a story they think is fake. Engage in a respectful conversation that challenges the use of the term "fake news".
If it's untrue, agree it's untrue not fake news.
#SundaySoapbox
If it's untrue, agree it's untrue not fake news.
#SundaySoapbox
If the "fake news" is really true with a bias, call it true with a bias.
If it's just true, but unpleasant, correct the terminology. You don't have to be fancy about it, say "yeah, it's true but it sucks".
#SundaySoapbox
If it's just true, but unpleasant, correct the terminology. You don't have to be fancy about it, say "yeah, it's true but it sucks".
#SundaySoapbox
If you catch yourself using the term "fake news", consider why you do it.
Do you not believe it? If so, how do you fact check it? Do that, and instead use terms like true, false, or part true.
Do you not like the information but it's true? Think deep about that.
#SundaySoapbox
Do you not believe it? If so, how do you fact check it? Do that, and instead use terms like true, false, or part true.
Do you not like the information but it's true? Think deep about that.
#SundaySoapbox
Don't contribute to a world being needlessly dangerous for people doing their jobs.
Would you recommend murdering coal miners because it's a polluting source?
No, that would be insane.
Using the term "fake news" puts journalists in harms way.
#SundaySoapbox
Would you recommend murdering coal miners because it's a polluting source?
No, that would be insane.
Using the term "fake news" puts journalists in harms way.
#SundaySoapbox
Journalists cover stories that are newsworthy.
If you don't like their mix, think they are too hard on a group, think they are omitting a group, etc., help make our news better by providing that feedback.
#SundaySoapbox
If you don't like their mix, think they are too hard on a group, think they are omitting a group, etc., help make our news better by providing that feedback.
#SundaySoapbox
Instead of treating journalists as the enemy, which they most certainly are not, treat them like a partner in how information is shared.
Give basic respect, push back/mute appropriately, communicate, clarify, and consume unpleasant facts with grace.
#SundaySoapbox
Give basic respect, push back/mute appropriately, communicate, clarify, and consume unpleasant facts with grace.
#SundaySoapbox
If you haven't done so...
✔ Drop a note to a journalist you think is doing a good job
✔ Pay for a subscription to a reputable news source so there are the resources to fact check
✔ Stop using the term "fake news"
###
#SundaySoapbox
✔ Drop a note to a journalist you think is doing a good job
✔ Pay for a subscription to a reputable news source so there are the resources to fact check
✔ Stop using the term "fake news"
###
#SundaySoapbox
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