We bask in a certain reflected glory from the newspapers we read. To
"take" The
Times is to be far more intellectual, far more highbrow,
than someone who takes the
Mail. To read the
Mail is to be far more
responsible than someone who gawks in the
Mirror. A
Guardian reader is
highbrow with a human face: intellectual, aware, like other
"broadsheet" readers, but with a much greater commitment to making the
world a better, fairer place.
Independent readers share the same
commitment, perhaps a little less earnestly.
Because we locate some of our identity in what we read - some sense of
who we are as intelligent, caring people - we may react with rage when
the newspapers we take are criticised. To suggest that "my" newspaper
is biased and superficial can seem to imply the same of "me" and "my"
beliefs about the world.
A similar glow of pride reflects on us from cinema screens. How we
love to declare our appreciation for the latest thoughtful, sensitive,
challenging movie. Again, we may reinforce a sense of ourselves as
smart and caring from the films we watch.
-- David Edwards. "Hollywood - Weaponised Dream Factory: An Interview With
Matthew Alford, Author Of Reel Power." Medial Lens. (October 21, 2010)
http://www.medialens.org/alerts/10/101021_hollywood_the_weaponised.php