So.
Today my students filled me in (in Spanish, nonetheless!) about who Herman Cain is. They knew all the latest news leaks and rumors, as well as SNL skits against him. As I listened, they realized by my surprise, that this was the first time I had heard of Herman Cain. "What? Don't you watch the news?" And I have to say, no, no I don't.
So, here's my invitation for argument...First, you need to set aside your knee jerk reaction that everyone should watch the news, that you're an irresponsible citizen if you don't, etc, etc. Is it set aside? No, really. Because if you don't, you're uninvited from the argument. Now?
Ok...so, here's my argument...other than watching for the weather, why should I??? Unless, I'm interested. State of emergencies would be broadcast on radios, and even if I missed that, I would find out anyway just from living in the world--as soon as I go outside, or go to the grocery or to get gas, or work, or wherever else. What makes the interest (that is what I'm going to consider it here) of watching the news any different from the interest of playing music? or the interest of writing? or playing a sport? News is delivered through biased lenses, so why can't I choose to not participate? Why shouldn't I choose to view the world only through the lens of my own eyes? I am going to claim that the virtue of watching the news is a value, like any other, to be chosen individually.
Ok, argue with me.
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