If ever you look for a ****ty political discussion on the internet, you’re sure to find someone who will claim that his e-argument opponents have been “brainwashed by the MSM”. Why is this? Well, a lot of people who can’t stand the idea that someone else disagrees with them need an excuse. And the easiest excuse to find is to say that the mainstream media brainwashes other people and that’s why they sees so much dissent when they spout off about their uneducated opinions.

The “MSM card” can originate from both sides. Some crazy liberals might think that the mainstream media has a hand in keeping government conspiracies quiet; some particularly questionable people among them might suggest that the media had a hand in causing 9/11. Conservatives will rant on and on about the “liberal media” and how it slanted people against Republicans and for Democrats. On either side of the spectrum, it seems like the mainstream media is an enemy to everyone.

What do I think? The mainstream media has its faults. But the majority of their faults are caused by the faults of people in general, not the other way around. They dumb things down and sensationalize cases because they know that’s what brings in the ratings. They don’t always tell a detailed story because they have to dedicate time and money to celebrity news and flashy graphics. They don’t present a perfectly balanced political opinion because they have their own political opinions, which is unavoidable. But do they willingly cover up scandals and conspiracies? I doubt it.