Using a Wider Socialogical Lens

I'm amazed at the power we've given to all of these influences mentioned in "Framing Class." I know that I've always been somewhat aware of the undeserving clout that these institutions bear, but I've never heard it put specifically into words and numbers.

It seems that the American people in general could use a course in critical thinking just like this one.

Sometimes I get really ticked about the amount of money that is spent in behalf of these "jobs" that are so outragiously paid. Take professional athletes, for instance. Allof this is propagated by us (the American people) because of the amount of importance we esteem it.

We have given people who influence and sway the attitude of the entire nation the power to tell us what to think and when to think it, based mostly on how much money they will make in deciding that for us. Ridiculous! Author, Diana Kenndall suggests the idea of civic journalism as the media being "more than neutral storytelling devices." I like the idea. What ever happened to bringing us the truth rather than finding a way to pad their pockets?

I was bothered also a lot by the less than positive connotation of this piece. It's not that I don't appreciate what Ms. Kendall saying, per say. I was disgruntled that we (a people as a whole) have ALLOWED it to happen. I'm grateful that there are forces out there trying to battle the process as it stands. I'm also glad that she's given the responsibility back to us to put things into perspective. I hope we're up to the challange and that these feelings of hoplessness disintegrate with greater results as time goes on.