I Hate Asking for Support. Here’s Why I Still Do

The Influence of Billionaire-Owned Media on Public Debate and Why Supporting Independent Journalism Has Become More Important Than Ever Before.

The mainstream media has long since abandoned any pretense of being a public service. Its true purpose is to stoke our fears, keep us glued to our screens, and ultimately, line the pockets of its corporate overlords. The media's coverage of the past 4 years is a prime example of this callous disregard for the public good. Instead of providing clear, accurate information, they prey on our anxieties and uncertainties, all in the name of profit.

But let's be clear: criticizing the media's sensationalism and profiteering does not mean that I support authoritarian regimes or dictators. Just because I question the motives of those who meddle in the affairs of other nations, it doesn't automatically make me a mouthpiece for those in power.

The same goes for my critiques of political figures and parties. I am not obligated to support one candidate or party over another simply because I point out the flaws in their arguments or actions.

Critical thinking is about standing apart from the tribalism and partisanship that dominate our public discourse. It's about examining the ways in which debates are framed and how official narratives are constructed and disseminated. And all too often, that power is wielded by the billionaire-owned media, who shape and control public debate to suit their own interests.

Take, for example, the way in which the media frames debates around foreign intervention. They present it as a simple binary choice: support the dictator or support the rebels. But this oversimplification ignores the complex realities on the ground and the unintended consequences of foreign intervention. By supporting one side, we may be inadvertently strengthening extremist elements and perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability.

Critical thinking is about challenging our own assumptions and biases, and questioning the narratives that are presented to us. It's about recognizing that the media's interests may not align with our own, and that their coverage may be driven by profit motives rather than a desire to serve the public good.

In today's world, it's not enough to simply consume information and accept it at face value. We must all become skilled critical thinkers, able to dissect and analyze the information that is presented to us, and to recognize when we are being manipulated or deceived.

It's not enough to look only at the substance of the debates, that are presented to us on a daily basis, without considering the context in which it is taking place. We must ask ourselves: why is this debate happening now? Who is benefiting from it? What perspectives are being excluded or silenced? And most importantly, what is being obscured or hidden from view?

By asking these questions, we can begin to see through the propaganda and manipulation that is so prevalent in our society. We can recognize when powerful interests are trying to shape the narrative to suit their own needs, and we can resist their attempts to control our thoughts and opinions.

Critical thinking is not just about recognizing when we are being manipulated. It's also about taking an active role in shaping our society and our world. By engaging in critical thinking, we can become informed and active participants in our communities, able to make decisions based on facts and evidence rather than on fear or prejudice.

If you want to be treated like a grown-up, if you want to be taken seriously as an individual and as a member of your society, then it's important to start doing the hard work of critical thinking. It's time to question the narratives that are presented to us, to seek out diverse perspectives, and to make up our own minds based on evidence and reason.

The allure of sensationalist headlines and clickbait journalism is understandable, as they often cater to our preconceived notions and provide a sense of comfort and validation. However, it is crucial to recognize that such tactics are not exclusive to mainstream media, but are also prevalent in alternative news sources.

The constant bombardment of “bombshell reports” and “shocking revelations” can hinder critical thinking and informed discourse, leading to a culture of outrage and division.

That is why the work that I am doing here is of utmost importance, as it strives to prioritize evidence-based reporting and thoughtful analysis over sensationalism and fear-mongering.

Yet, every day, thousands of people choose to support already well-funded and established 'news' sites that insult intellect with poorly written “BOOOOOM”-articles, selling us drops in the bucket as “political game-changers” by catering to our need to hear that “our side” is winning. This trend is concerning, as it perpetuates the intellectual erosion of our society.

In the era of information overload, it's easy to get lost in the noise and propaganda that saturates our social media feeds. However, the opportunity to broaden our horizons and challenge our preconceptions has never been more accessible.

Over the past decade, we have witnessed an influx of writers and thinkers who, through their expertise and critical thinking skills, have shed light on the complexities of various issues that are often oversimplified or distorted by mainstream media.

From Russia to Venezuela, Iran to Israel-Palestine, these writers have helped us to see beyond the black-and-white narratives that are so often perpetuated by those in power.

They have exposed the corporate interests that lurk behind the scenes, pulling the strings of political power and shaping our world in ways that are not always visible to the naked eye.

One such area where this has become particularly apparent is in the role of the war industries. These industries, which have their roots in western colonialism, have long been shrouded in secrecy and propaganda.

However, thanks to the efforts of these critical thinkers, we are beginning to see more clearly the devastating impact that these industries have on communities around the world.

Of course, challenging these narratives is not always easy. It requires a willingness to question our own assumptions and to engage in critical thinking and analysis. It also requires a certain level of expertise and familiarity with the issues at hand. But the rewards are well worth the effort.

It's no secret that the war industries have a vested interest in perpetuating the status quo. They rely on our ignorance and our complacency to maintain their power and influence. But as we become more informed and more critical, we can begin to push back against this power and to demand greater transparency and accountability.

This is not to say that the task is easy. The forces of power and privilege are deeply entrenched, and they will not give up their power without a fight. But as more and more people begin to wake up to the realities of the world around them, we can begin to build a movement for change that is truly unstoppable.

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The allure of critical thinking lies in its ability to shed light on the manipulations and distortions that pervade our understanding of the world. Those who engage in critical thinking often do so because they have been awakened to the complexities of a particular issue, and have the intellectual and emotional resources to delve deeper into the issues that matter most to them.

However, the anxieties and uncertainties that come with critical thinking can be daunting, even for the most resilient among us. The sense of isolation and the collapse of “normal” that often accompany critical thinking are not to be taken lightly, as they require a significant amount of emotional and psychological fortitude to navigate.

But the challenges of critical thinking pale in comparison to the anxieties and uncertainties brought about by the past years. Unlike critical thinking, our exposure to our governments’ “pandemic response” has been entirely outside of our control, leaving us feeling vulnerable and insecure in ways that are difficult to comprehend.

The allure of vaccines as the panacea for the pandemic was not difficult to comprehend. After all, they served as a convenient tool for governments mired in corruption and ineptitude to demonstrate a semblance of competence.

Moreover, these vaccines offered a golden opportunity for pharmaceutical giants, such as the notorious Pfizer, to whitewash their tarnished images and curry favor with the public after numerous scandals, including the infamous Oxycontin fiasco.

Furthermore, vaccines provided a false sense of security to the general public, promising the illusory goal of ZeroCovid, long-term immunity, and the cessation of transmission. This promise serves as a comfort blanket, allowing people to feel a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Additionally, the vaccine rollout had enabled both corrupt leaders and unscrupulous corporations to deflect blame for their other failed public health policies and profiteering, respectively. By encouraging the vaccinated majority to scapegoat the unvaccinated minority, these entities have effectively employed the classic divide and conquer strategy.

That is why the true value lies in stepping back from the immediate debate of a topic being good or bad. While this discussion can be engaging, especially if it is genuine, the underlying contextual factors are even more crucial. These include critical thinking about the timing of the article's publication, the reasons behind the sudden encouragement of this debate, the way the debate is being shaped by the author and the news outlet, and how we as readers might be influenced by this presentation.

The media often operates in a way that can stifle public discourse and suppress diverse viewpoints. This is not conducive to a healthy exchange of ideas, especially in the context of important issues such as public health policies during a pandemic.

When certain narratives are aggressively promoted, and alternative perspectives are dismissed or even discredited, it becomes challenging to have a meaningful conversation. This can lead to a skewed understanding of the issues at hand, as well as a lack of trust in the media.

It is therefore important for alternative journalism to provide a platform for various voices and to foster an environment where different opinions can be discussed and evaluated based on their merits, rather than on the perceived political leanings of their proponents.

In a world where the media is often driven by profit motives and sensationalism, it's more important than ever to support independent journalism that values critical thinking and the pursuit of truth. By reading and supporting independent journalists, you are helping to challenge the dominant narratives and promote a more nuanced and informed understanding of the world.

Independent journalists are not beholden to corporate interests or political agendas, and they often take on topics and perspectives that are overlooked or marginalized by the mainstream media. They are able to delve deeper into issues and provide context and analysis that is often missing from the headlines.

Supporting independent journalism also means supporting a free and open press, which is essential for a healthy democracy. By promoting diverse viewpoints and fostering critical thinking, independent journalists help to hold those in power accountable and ensure that the public is informed and engaged.

So the next time you come across an article or essay that challenges your assumptions and makes you think, consider supporting the independent journalist who wrote it. Your support can make a difference in promoting critical thinking and the pursuit of truth.

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