“Of all of our studies, history is best qualified to reward all research.” Malcolm X
Two key words here. History and research. Both are seemingly lost arts in a world of social media posts and blogs. Cyberspace has given unlimited voice to individuals who are self-proclaimed journalists that have little to no training, understanding of corroboration and have an agenda. I get the agenda part. Everything written has a spin or tilt. The training part can be argued but the corroboration is key. There are several blogs masquerading as truth on the web that unwitting readers take as gospel because they see it. The successful blogger could have a half a million followers or more. They creatively articulate the readers’ interests. Nothing wrong with that. If you’re blogging about food and the unique way to bake a Thanksgiving turkey, that could be useful information for the interested reader. The problem, as this blogger sees it ;), is the blogs that produce misinformation all the while the “literary wizard behind the curtain or…under the sheet,” is manipulating the mind of the reader. I point to a recent Facebook example. Yes… I’m going there. Facebook. A friend on my Facebook page posted an article, which was really a “blog in disguise,” about a recent speech that a presidential candidate allegedly made in Mississippi. It was an uninformed and ignorant speech about the candidate’s understanding of slavery, economics and race in America. I immediately raised the bullshit flag but even more interestingly, I viewed the reactions of the readers. Several people instantly seethed with anger and outrage about this speech. It had inspired the desired effect. Instant anger, just add some words and two eyes. As I further researched, I couldn’t find anything else about this other than the original article or blog. In this campaign year and economic climate, right or left, there is no way that this wouldn’t have hit the mainstream media. None. Not with the Al Sharptons and Madison Iron Eagles out there. The post was immediately taken down by the Facebook friend. Now let’s talk about the other posts that aren’t taken down and are readily passed on as gospel.
The Birther blogs, or the anti-Islam blogs, the pro-Klan blogs, the Christian Right blogs, the Socialist blogs, the nationalist and racialist blogs (take your pick of which nationality or race). All legit if it’s intended to state an opinion. The line is crossed when it is used to inform from uncorroborated, unreasearched material. A recent presidential candidate said in a speech not too long ago, “I don’t know this to be fact but…blah blah blah.” Of course his supporters focussed on the blah blah blah although he admitted to not knowing whether or not his words were true and accurate. Words incite and seeth at the fabric of our society especially in an age of social media and technology. Folks are feeling more comfortable in their own isms and prejudices which leaves the doors wide open for social engineers to plant seeds of distrust.
In 2012, we are still having discussions about whether racism is a factor in American society or whether or not women should have any control of their own lives. There have been attempts to shock us to the left or right with Tea Party movements and Occupy movements, both of which were fringe at best. Mainstream media has no qualms about spooking the herd of sheeple that it had a hand in manufacturing. But with all this anger that we are feeling on both sides for whatever reason, what is the next step? I think a valid question to ask is why are people so fearful that they have to invoke their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms? Funny how that didn’t work out for the Black Panthers in the 1960s but it’s pretty “ok” for other groups. Why is it so important to have Civil Rights Act if we are ALL citizens with equal and unalienable rights? Again, fear that one will get less than the other or more than the other. Fear generated by stereotypes and lies without deference to research or history. It’s all pretty heavy. “Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?”, MLK entitled a book. How can we utilize social media to effectuate positive change and transform it into a movement? Without the colorful rhetoric, the hate and distrust? We need a sincere movement that will synchronize the minds and spirits of every American. We need a movement of honesty and candor. But there has to be research and acknowledgement of history. If not, we are doomed to remain brainless sheeple instead of a united American people. Baaaahhhhh…..Baaaahhhh….
Soul Polis Times 