Obliterating Objectivity

Las Vegas Review-Journal ^ | 16 Oct 05 | Thomas Mitchell

[rellimpank]

THOMAS MITCHELL: Obliterating objectivity with a single verb

Objectivity is abnormal. It goes against all natural human proclivities to observe, organize, conclude and choose sides.

Yet journalists hold up the concept as holy writ. For a newspaper that is trying to reach as broad an audience as possible, objectivity is a worthy and laudable goal.

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But I'll be the first to concede it is one we do not always achieve.

[rellimpank]

--pithy commentary on the LA Times--

[mmercier]

>> Objectivity is abnormal

As far as I got.

ob·jec·tive ( P ) Pronunciation Key (b-jktv)
adj.

1. Of or having to do with a material object.
Having actual existence or reality.

2. Uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices: an objective critic. See Synonyms at fair1.

3. Based on observable phenomena; presented factually: an objective appraisal.

4. Medicine. Indicating a symptom or condition perceived as a sign of disease by someone other than the person affected.

Objectivity is all that mankind has as a mechanism for survival, to term it abnormal is to condemn mankind to extinction.

[Gondring]

In eight other spontaneous, heart-felt and effusive outpourings Sheree Foster, Rita McGary, Kelly Contreras, Patricia Thomas, Joseph Kosuda, Bette (no last name), Lorraine J. Lazier and Lea Dalio had similar observations. Well, actually they all wrote exactly the same thing, including typos. None provided the prerequisite phone number and address.

LMHO! Nice try, Reid.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

objectivity is a worthy and laudable goal.

But I'll be the first to concede it is one we do not always achieve.

Perspective is laudable when it attempts to respect views which are not congenial to the reporter. But it is arrogant for anyone to presume to believe themselves to actually be objective.

And that is why a frank discussion of one's own opinion - an openly stated editorial opinion - is superior to a putatively objective report. Even when that editorial is wrong, it is less tendentious than a claim to be above mortal falibility.

[rellimpank]

--reading the articles sometimes helps to understand them--

[rellimpank]

--yep--Dusty Harry went to the energy conserve,damn the oil companies press conference yesterday in a large SUV--

[clintonh8r]

The Reid anecdote is great. What a phony.

[doug from upland]

How do you know about the SUV?

[rellimpank]

--Channel 3 news last Friday--(Las Vegas)

[doug from upland]

Thanks.