Mediocracy?

"As a result of being caught up in our cultural trance, we in America no longer live in a democracy; we live in a 'mediacracy'. The media is so heavily influenced by its corporate sponsors that even the world's events are editorialized into opinion pieces. As far back as 1880, John Swinton, a writer at The New York Times, was quoted as saying, 'The business of journalists is to destroy the truth.... We are the tools and vassals of rich men behind the scenes.' This sentiment continues today: Because advertisers who finance the news are interested in creating good consumers who buy their burgers, they have no interest in helping us look or think outside the box."

- Alberto Villoldo, PhD, in "The Four Insights: Wisdom, Power and Grace of the Earthkeepers"


I'm inclined to agree with Villoldo, pictured above, but I think it's about a lot more than buying burgers. At the same time, I'm still very much inclined to stand up for what remains of true journalism: those who are not employed by the corporate entities are still very much about uncovering the truth. And it's essential to what remains of our democracy. Whether and where their voices and what they uncover may still be heard - and by how many - is another important question.

Anyway, Villoldo's main point is not to gulp down everything you hear on the morning or evening news and to cultivate what he calls nonjudgment:

"You see, when you practice nonjudgment, you refuse to automatically go along with others' opinions of any situation. In doing so, you begin to acquire a sense of ethics that transcends the mores of our times. This is important today when the images of the media have become more convincing than reality, and our values -- liberty, freedom, love, and the like -- are reduced to sound bites and empty platitudes."

I say amen to that.