is the media helping accelerate the dividing of the american people?

[KCBA]

First of all, one must remember that the purpose of the media in this country is, by and large, not to disseminate information so that people can make up their own minds, but rather to sell products advertised on their programs/websites.

Controversy sells. Consensus doesn't.

Also understand that TV news has conditioned us to expect news to be given to us in small, easy to understand bites. Gone are the hours long analysis of an event, shown from every point of view. The more simplistic, the easier to fit into the time constraints. This effects the blogosphere as well; most posters know that reader's eyes tend to glaze over if a piece is too long.

Dumbing down better fits time constraints

The wise person has to look long and hard at a variety of media from around the world, and then weigh the prejudices and bias of said media, before forming an opinion.

[vegaswoman]

Yes, I believe they are contributing to the division in the United States.

[Violentfrog495]

Absolutely. The media has found that the cheapest, easiest way they can produce a flashy story is to promote nasty rhetoric or "dirt" on either side. Delving very deep(real reporting) is expensive. Look at how entertainment "news"(gossip) has taken over our TV screens. And look at the little press John Edwards receives-because he's not devisive enough??? The only story I've seen on the very political Sunday was because Ann Coulter was behaving in a typical tabloidish way.

I belive some the deviseness comes from the parties allowng the rhetoric at main poitical events. I personally, a moderate Dem, appalled by the name calling-and I would be just as mad at my own party. I want real debate, not rhetoric.

[catrionn]

I agree with you. The media contributes to the over-simplification of complicated people and complicated issues.

For example, I'm pro-choice, pro-gay rights, but also against gun control and for the death penalty.

You just can't pigeonhole people.

[Gunny Bill]

Since most of television and newspapers are owned by liberals they report either anti -Bush or pro-Clinton. They are afraid to report just facts and allow Americans to make up their own minds.

So, to answer your question YES the media is helping divide the American people.

It would be nice to see the media report on the good we are doing in Iraq. Like restoring utilities and installing utilities to parts of the country that never had any. How many schools and hospitals have we built? Do women still get stoned in public like they did before we arrived? NO PARTY AFFILIATION, JUST REPORT THE FACTS!!!