Note: The views and opinions expressed in blog/editorial posts are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of Misbar.
The conversation surrounding misinformation, fake news, and fact-checking is constantly evolving. As changing technology changes the way we take in information, new cultural and ethical considerations arise. Here is our weekly round-up of recent readings, podcasts, and other media that addresses the latest issues in fact-checking.
What We’re Reading:
Joining several other states, a new Florida amendment bans teaching “the theory that racism is not merely the product of prejudice, but that racism is embedded in American society and its legal systems in order to uphold the supremacy of white persons."
- From Interesting Engineering: The Great Moon Hoax of 1835: The Birth of Fake News?
In 1835, a newspaper managed to convince people around the world that the moon was a fantasy world populated by bat people and unicorns. The series played on the booming scientific discoveries that were happening during the time and claimed to be satire, never meant to be taken literally.
A media watch group warns migrants of the dangers of human smugglers on the U.S.-Mexico border, who are using social media to advertise their services.
- From The Atlantic: The Myth of a Majority-Minority America
The growing narrative that non-white people will soon outnumber white people in the U.S. is both false and damaging. Expanding research shows that diversity is more of a unifying force than the dominant narrative suggests.
What We’re Listening To:
- From NPR: No Compromise
“No Compromise” is a podcast about a group of gun rights activists who have built a controversial social media empire devoted to spreading their cause. The podcast was recently awarded a Pulitzer Prize for audio reporting.
- From The New York Times: Opinion: Warren Buffett and the Myth of the ‘Good Billionaire’
Upon a recent report on billionaire income taxes, this editorial argues that our perceptions of the wealthy are often skewed.
