Don't believe the hype

There is a great piece on the ABC News website this morning about the Australia Day incident involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and Aboriginal protestors I mentioned a few days ago. It's an eyewitness account of the incident written by a geophysicist at the Australian National University who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Apparently, "riot," "violent," "angry mob," and "disgrace" are not the most accurate adjectives for what took place, yet that's what has been all over the media since the incident.

I'm pretty sure peacefully assembling and chanting loudly, banging on things, and burning flags is what democracy looks like. Why is it bold and courageous when it happens in, say, Egypt, but disgraceful and violent when it happens in America or Australia?

This incident actually reminds me a lot of the Little Beirut incident that took place in Portland in 2003 when George W Bush visited our fair city.

Here's one thing that's perfectly consistent between America and Australia: The corporate media lies to sell more papers. Their version events is accepted by the average citizen, which regards them as an authoritative and accurate source of information. The average citizen's views are thus distorted, and their opinions are hardened, making resolution of critical social issues even more difficult. The corporate media thereby serves the State's interest and the interests of those who benefit from the status quo. Sad.

This is a good example of how you just can't believe the hype.