Journalistic malpractice & the dangers of Russia-bashing

[MattSh]

Sochi on my mind: It is hard to think of an issue more politicized in Western media than the topic of Russia. It is commonplace to hear, read, and watch media reports claiming the worst possible things about Russia and Russians. 

Criticisms are magnified even more when the subject is Vladimir Putin. While Russia does have a long list of issues to grapple with (like just about every other country in the world), the kind of media coverage it receives in turn engenders a serious security threat to the international system. Russia bashing is dangerous for us all.

Whether one likes it or not, Russia is an important power in the world. Having a seat on the UN Security Council confirms its voice will be heard. In fact, Russia often represents the concerns of most of the globe on the Security Council, although this is hardly ever pointed out by the western powers on the Council, particularly the United States. Russia is not a spoiler; rather it holds back the unilateral tendencies held by those in Western capitals. It is almost unthinkable that anyone in the mainstream would ever inform audiences of this reality.

<snip>

The level of journalistic malpractice committed against Russia blinds Western electorates, poisons public opinion, and emboldens the reckless political class. The denigration of the Sochi Games was to be expected. Cheap shots, lazy reporting and maniacal commentary are a form of entertainment served up by Western mainstream media. The Games have come and will soon pass into history. But their impact will be felt long after.


http://rt.com/op-edge/western-media-russia-bashing-293/

[cherokeeprogressive]

1. Yawn...

[sufrommich]

2. Wait, Putin's fully owned news source

doesn't like when meanies pick on Putin? The hell you say.

[NuclearDem]

3. Poor Russia, they just want to treat their LGBT community like subhumans!

Won't anyone think of the bigots?!

[FSogol]

4. LOL at the RT link.

[MattSh]

8. Not surprised this is getting this type of response. So...

NOTE: This thread is about the Dangers of Russia-Bashing. Please stick to the topic. Should you wish to discuss less important things, like the source where this originated, this is the link you want…

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1018

[FSogol]

9. This thread is about whatever people posting in it make it. Sorry, but you don't get to

Last edited Fri Feb 14, 2014, 11:42 AM - Edit history (1)

control how people respond to you.

Putin runs a pretty corrupt system. TheY are light years ahead of the US in becoming an oligarchy. They are making draconian laws against their LGBT citizens while the rest of the world (except for some African nations) is correcting past wrongs. Did the press over react about last minute construction problems? Sure, those are common on any big project, but being lectured on Russia-bashing by the main source of Russia propaganda and a few DUers completely enthralled by Putin's dreaminess is too much.

Spot-on criticism is not Russia bashing.




PS. The FSogol Times just proclaimed that FSogol is the greatest ever! If you disagree your are FSogol-bashing.

[MattSh]

10. It's NOT about trying to dictate rules.

It's making a commentary. Sorry if you can't see that.

[FSogol]

11. BS. You essentially told me to shut up and stick to the lounge if I disagreed with you about Russia

[HappyMe]

5. ....

[Bluenorthwest]

6. It's the gay bashing that is the issue. Not surprising that RT, fully owned by the Russian

government, is upset that they their bigotry is being called out. Not only is it not surprising, it's gratifying to see them whine about it. The 'Western Mainstream Media' is of course dedicated to constant glorification of the Olympics at Sochi. It's the dominate programming on NBC and on air in general, all Media has halted to give attention to Sochi.
Whenever any country is doing something as hateful as those anti gay laws and all the vicious rhetoric and beatings and arrests, and that country decides to put on a ball gown and go out on the town to show off, that country should expect to hear opinions from those who do not agree with them. A country that can not bear to hear disagreement should either stay off the world stage or begin to behave in ways that do not disgust others.
The defenders of the hate laws remind me of the defenders of apartheid. Spewing insanity in defense of criminality.

[SidDithers]

7. ROFL...

A pro-Russia opinion piece from RT.

Wow, what were the chances of that happening?



Sid

[idendoit]

12. Have they found the bolts to that roller coaster yet?