Your first step may
be to remind yourself that YOU ARE an intelligent
person.
INTELLIGENT
PEOPLE
Are
in general, rational beings who want to be productive.
Understand that all activities must be conducted with integrity,
honesty and with respect for the dignity of everyone
involved.
Understand that communications MUST be open, free and
honest.
Knows that in any exchange, value should be given in return for
equivalent value.
Knows that an individuals progress should be based on an
evaluation of the individuals contribution.
Realizes that bad things can happen to good people, BUT if they
solve their problems with grace and dignity, ACKNOWLEDGES that
they are doing the best they can under the
circumstances.
Are
always willing to give a hand-up but are wary of those who demand
a hand-out.
Can
act in their own long-term enlightened self-interest without
eliminating the competition.
Do
not live in fear of competition or diversity.
Do
not trust any person, group or organization that uses force, ridicule or half truths to silence others.
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We can begin by understanding that every single news story, no matter the source, is based on sales.
That would include faith based media, organizations formed to accomplish a specific task, and political organizations.
The motive, no matter the group's stated objective, is to acquire money, power, influence or all three.
Sales, driven by hype or spin, works.
We also need to remember that sales can apply to ideas, social values, concepts or lifestyles. People need to be "sold" on a need to make a change.
Take the time to consider the Milgram experiments discussed on SmokersTees page In My Opinion. Milgram and others who replicated his model, showed that approximately 65% of the population would inflict harm on another individual, setting aside their personal ethics and beliefs, under the direct supervision of an authority figure.
While Milgram was interested in discovering the roots of Hitler's success in Germany, when you think about it his research supports what any marketing expert already knew. Endorsements or authoritative statements by a super star, media star or professional expert works!
Hype or spin, in order to be effective, need a hook.
Proven hooks are fear, improving personal image, knowledge or happiness, and guilt.
A recent book, Spin Sisters, written by Myrna Blyth, who spent more than 20 years working as a magazine editor, offers the following suggestions to combat spin.
Compare the hype to the facts. A little healthy skepticism is in order.
Be Wary of pictures. Just because someone's crying doesn't necessarily mean they're telling the truth.
Don't let impressive-sounding jargon convince you.
Always Ask Is there a specific agenda at work in this story?
Watch the disclaimers. "Might" or "could" doesn't mean that you or your family are really at risk.
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