When Joe Biden called a Fox News reporter a stpid son of a b***, it made a lot of people feel a lot of different things. Fans of Joe Biden (there are dozens of them) were outraged by the reporter’s disrespectful demeanor. Meanwhile, the “Let’s Go Brandon” folks were outraged by the President’s disrespectful demeanor. It was another typical day in America. Everybody was outraged.
Many Americans do not understand the purpose of journalism. They believe the news cycle exists to keep them informed about current events. If you know anyone who suffers from this delusion, feel free to share this post with them. Friends don’t let friends trust journalism.
The purpose of journalism is to upset you. Do you think it’s just coincidence that reading headlines raises your blood pressure? You’re wrong. Journalists are very smart people. They know that you’re not going to visit their website (or buy their newspaper, or listen to their radio program) unless you’re stimulated emotionally. If you’re not agitated, excited, or curious; you’ll move on.
Press conferences are very boring. You wouldn’t pay any attention to them if they were simply political blather. It is the journalist’s job to tell you that all that boring stuff is ‘BREAKING’ and ‘SHOCKING’ and ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ so you’ll pay attention just long enough to buy something.
Journalism exists to sell advertising. Do you not believe me? Turn off your ad-blocker and visit any news related website. See all those clickable boxes telling you ‘what your doctor doesn’t want you to know’ and ‘this miracle device will cure acne?’ — Those boxes are the reason the website exists.
The drama between Fox News reporters and Joe Biden is amplified and distorted so you’ll click a link and watch some advertisements. It’s exactly what happened when Trump was in office but Trump sold you more stuff because he was such a dramatic character.
Remember this before you flip-out about the latest ‘SHOCKING’ headline. Journalists don’t care whether you’re angry or happy. They just want your attention. Don’t trust them with your emotions.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.”
(Matthew 6:5)
