Digging For Buried Treasure: Information Literacy
- Vincent Rotondo
- Dec 2, 2019
- 3 min read
We live in a deeply complex society; filled with corruption exposed through the media. While the majority of society is able to read about the newest trends in the media, a common ability that most individuals lack is information literacy. Information literacy juxtaposes fact and fiction as there is a difference between understanding words on a screen and understanding if the words on the screen are credible. Transforming the lens through which society perceives the world, various news broadcasters and outlets have a universal characteristic among each of them: modification. What I mean by modification is that news sources are in a constant battle against one another to rally the most viewers; thus, they are constantly modifying facts to match the persona of their news organizations. (Ex: Fox news is Republican so you will NEVER see them praising Hillary Clinton) “So how do we gain this skill, future Mr.President?” Well, I’m glad you asked! (#EGOPROBS)
The Election of 2036
Being that I am a quirk for Politics, I believe that our socialization to information literacy should start from a young age as a result of taking civics courses such as Social Studies. When I was young, I learned how to locate credible sources and develop my own opinions on societal events. I dreaded writing my weekly current events and summaries, but I realize now that I have the ability to articulate my own unique perspective that can be supported with facts: this skill is lacking in present-day society.
* This video features a united group taking collective action for the common good of society. While the group was comprised as a result of anger from injustice, watch what happens when the interviewees are asked about the specifics as to why they participated
I feel like reading the work of others is subjective; what is trash writing to me may be your greatest treasure to be hung on the fridge. Embracing my stubbornness, I find great frustration in reading articles from individuals that may not share a perspective that resonates with me; I respond by conducting my own research on the topic of discussion. In terms of politics, do not think that when I read a Fox news article, I want to throw my laptop at the cinderblock wall in my room. I personally try and stay away from any biased forms of media such as the Washington Post, CNN and Fox.
* Embrace the stupidness that is this video *
I think it is time to give up my secret to how I have acquired my information literacy. 3, 2, 1… AllSides! Huh?! (Make the soldier dance by clicking on him and perfection in a website will appear...ALLSIDES AHHHHHHH!
AllSides is an excellent source of media that discusses political events in an unbiased manner; it truly executes its mission which is the latter sentiment I merely paraphrased. I enjoy utilizing AllSides because it is far from radical and expresses a sense of neutrality that I believe is essential in the media today as skewed information has turned us into the Snickers “You’re not you when you’re hungry commercial...)
* Trust me, no-one wants to see it *
As for journalists today, they should not act biased in their proclamations (However, notice how I incorporated the word should.) For example, Tomi Lahren is clearly a devout liberal (lol jk she is a hard core Conservative). I personally despise her commentaries as they fail to discuss the proper facts necessary to making this country a better place to live in. Instead of targeting a group of individuals who are not on the same side of the political spectrum as themselves, journalists need to focus on the greater good for the people by the people. Ring a bell?
* As my mother always says, feel free to play "1, 2, skip a few when watching this video."
Hey Vinny! I know you already have some comments, but you told me to look at this when you commented on my post. Anyway, I think that you did a great job of explaining your point of view on this subject. As you already know, I am in agreement with the fact that we should be studying this skill in a civics course, such as Social Studies. Further, I agree that journalists should be unbiased and need to be unbiased for the people's sake. Your incorporation of the media seamlessly fit into your post, and helped to support your arguments. Before reading this, I had never heard of Allsides, and was taught to just read multiple sources and decide for…
Great post overall. I can relate to this so much because like you, I am EXTREMELY stubborn and I hate having to listen to people's opinions when I think they are very ignorant (very much a vice of mine and something I need to get better at). I really liked that you mentioned certain sources being biased and not actually caring about the truth, only furthering their agenda. I think that really sums up the political climate nowadays, and it's very unfortunate. I also really liked that you included the alternative (I might have to check out AllSlides). Again, great job!
I think you did a great job with this post. I thought it was cool to be able to get a perspective from someone who is up to date with current events, and from someone who's interested in the field. I don't personally follow politics much, so it's cool to get your perspective on the biased coverage of it, since I don't have that much of an opinion. I thought your comment about Fox News was funny, too. It was also interesting to read your part about how reporters should be unbiased, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are. The videos and images are a nice touch, too. Great job.