Blind Spot, by Marshall, Gilbert, Ahmanson
Review by W. J. Rayment / ConservativeBookstore -- At least half the population of the United States professes a belief in God and belongs to an established Religion. Outside of the United States this figure is even higher. However, in the press, around ten percent belongs to this group. Even more surprising, the number that have any real understanding of religion or even a desire to do so is very small. The inevitable result of the antipathy of the press toward religion is poor quality reporting on religious matters. It is this premise that informs and guides "Blind Spot", a compilation of fascinating essays about the relationship between the press and religion in the United States.
Of course, there are manifold examples of errors in press reporting on any subject. It is notorious that newspapers even have difficulty in spelling the subject's name correctly. However, the problem with the press when dealing with religion is far deeper. It seems incapable of understanding, and therefore interpreting stories that have religion as a basis. The book "Blind Spot" is not shy about bringing forth evidence that clearly demonstrates this problem. Perhaps the most glaring and most frightening is the attitude of the press toward Muslim Fundamentalism and terrorism. Because most reporters view terrorism, governments in Muslim countries, and Muslim sects through a secularist lens, they do not comprehend what motivates people to, for example, martyr themselves in a suicide bombing. They do not understand what might motivate the leader of a country to commit itself to an economically, or politically barren war or jihad for the sake of religion. Much of the reporting about terrorism leaves out any mention of the religious motivations of the attackers, focusing instead on supposed political motivations.
This inability to understand religious motivations has caused even deeper problems, allowing political figures to misinterpret events in the third world. The U.S. state department has often been blind-sided by occurances overseas, for example, the overthrow of the Shaw of Iran, and the reaction of the various sects in Iraq at the conclusion of the Iraq War (and the beginning of the, so-called, insurgency).
"Blind Spot", treats this phenomenon in detail, pointing out that the secularism in Europe and the intelligentsia of the United States is a minority mentality. Far from there being an historical movement away from religion, the world seems to be moving toward more fundamentalism. The book points out that the world's major religions are growing, not shrinking. Belief in God is also becoming more intense, and seemingly the more demanding the religious requirements, the more adherents a religious sect acquires.
The essays in Blind Spot are written by experts, these are academics and reporters themselves. The essays hang together and have a cohesive, sequential arrangement that gives an excellent, in-depth view of the subject. Perhaps the most interesting essay concerns Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion". Everyone loves to read about cultural conflict, and this analysis of the controversy surrounding the movie hits the nail on the head. The press wrote negatively about the movie, accusing Gibson of anti-semitism, largely before anyone had even seen the movie. Even after the movie came out, much of the writing in the press seemed to come from a template that had been written by a few critics. The press treatment of the film almost seemed an effort to censor the film, rather than to comment upon it. Ultimately, the criticism was so over-the-top it led the viewing public to discount the press and give the movie a chance. It became one of the biggest box-office successes of 2004.
"Blind Spot" also deals with press treatment of the Popes and the Catholic church, the 2004 campaign including the evangelical influence in the Republican Party, and the faith-based human rights movement emanating from established Christian churches.
It is never enough to simply criticize. "Blind Spot" goes on to suggest ways in which the press can improve its coverage of religion and religious organizations. Cultivating religious sources, educating reporters about religious beliefs, and recruiting reporters more representative of the population of the country, are all suggestions.
"Blind Spot" is a must read for anyone wishing to understand the role of the press and religion in modern America. The volume is well-written and superbly edited. The style of writing, and subject matter, are cohesive and thought-provoking. This is an important work that should be a wake-up call for reporters in every media. It would also benefit religious people wishing to understand how the press works. It should be stressed that this book is not written from a religious perspective.
Blind Spot: When Journalists Don't Get Religion is available at Amazon.
|
|
