Media Spin or Persuasion?

Wouldn’t it be great if students really remembered the lessons of listening and critical thinking? Perhaps the concept of “spin” needs to be added to the classroom discussion of persuasive techniques in addition to emphasizing the consequences of accepting statements as true prior to analyzing them for accuracy and hidden meaning. Spin surrounds us in culture, academia, religious speech, political speech, and advertising. Complex social issues require a thorough personal analysis before you choose to believe the statements delivered by others. You and you alone are legally responsible for your communication and actions. Spin is created to simplify complicated issues and connect emotionally with its intended audience. Take a look at the spin surrounding the new health care bill. This would be an excellent current event to examine with your class.

The pervasiveness of spin can alter how you feel about yourself, social issues and those around you. Critical thinking allows you to make reasoned judgments on any issue. But how many of your students look at the health care bill and make a reasoned judgment? And how many simply follow the spin of their own political party? Free speech and behavior are our legal right but personal speech and behavior needs to be shaped in a fair and rational manner.

Understanding the consequences of accepting spin as fact, rather than an element of persuasion, allow you to communicate professionally. Repeating the half-truths of spin are damaging to others and damaging to your credibility.