There’s too much sincerity in Steve Almond’s piece for it to qualify as effective snark. Of all the problems facing our country, one of least consequential is that there is a breed of liberals that likes to watch and listen to right-wing media. Personally, I follow Almond’s advice, at least for the most part. The only time I watch or listen to right-wing media is when they are hosting a debate or I want to quickly see how they are reacting to a major news event. I am more likely to read right-wing blogs than to go to the Fox News website. And I look at what’s going on at sites like the National Review and the Weekly Standard because it informs me about Republican strategy and priorities. I think sites that watch and record everything that goes on in right-wing media are very valuable, but they remain a small part of my media diet. They watch Fox News so I don’t have to.
I know what Mr. Almond is talking about, though. I remember worrying about some of my liberal friends whose Twitter feeds made it obvious that the spent every weekday afternoon watching Glenn Beck’s shitty television show. Why put yourself through that? Go out and register some voters or something.
I am all for a MEDIASTRIKE in the abstract. I am not, however, for unilateral disarmament. If you feel like obsessing on right-wing messaging is turning you into a dick, turn off the television and do something nice for someone. But don’t lecture the rest of us who don’t have any nagging guilt over our low opinion of conservatives.
