https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmWJtG6Q9wA
Although this piece is quite obviously biased and may use some shots out of context, I think it very accurately portrays the power of the media’s spin. In this case Stewart makes an appeal to logic that reveals the absurdity of Fox news’ coverage while also attacking their credibility in pointing out certain bits of theirs that are entirely ill founded.
The idea that this incident, and most incidents of this nature, are now entirely mediated, strikes me as quite problematic, especially when entire groups of people can be spurred to protest and police can be moved to militarize based upon it. Ultimately Stewart carries just as much spin as FOX and while I do worry that this story has entirely superseded reality, I respect Stewart’s intent to wade through the mess and try to bring the incredibly inflammatory event back down to earth.
- I was a huge fan of public secret. I’ve always been extremely fascinated by the idea of a state-determined or managed life and I think the ramifications of the concept of a prison are extremely profound and problematic. It points to an incredible issue with our society that the idea of prison can co-exist and intermingle with our “free” lives. The fact that prisons do exist points to a constant undercurrent and foundation that not only allows for, but also, in a sense, requires the system. The more you think about it, the more it does seem like some grand secret, almost on par with some sort of hunger games society where people disappear and enter an arena that nobody really knows anything about. The project was provocative to say the least.