A crisis in archetypes: how framing U. S. elections as heroes versus villains promotes two-valued orientation, encourages corruption, and erodes public trust

The deeply embedded lexicon of archetypes within the subconscious provides human beings with frames for interpreting their experiences and attaching meaning to incidents. When journalists evoke these potent symbols to advance ideology, they promote propaganda at the expense of revealing the truth. S...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forum on public policy 2007-06
Main Author: Kilmer, Paulette D
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The deeply embedded lexicon of archetypes within the subconscious provides human beings with frames for interpreting their experiences and attaching meaning to incidents. When journalists evoke these potent symbols to advance ideology, they promote propaganda at the expense of revealing the truth. Since democracy depends upon an informed, rational electorate, the decline of a press devoted to unearthing the truth and serving the public threatens civic well-being in the United States. Traditionally, reporters and editors serve as watchdogs devoted to holding power brokers accountable. When they play circus mutts eager to entertain or herd dogs trained to prevent the multitude from straying into individual thinking, the public loses its objective window on the world. The grand public conversation degenerates into a grapevine of invective, gossip, and slander.
ISSN:1556-763X