Looking at alternative viewpointsLibrary workshop for POLS 3760January 16 2013

Chris ChanInformation Services Librarianchancp@hkbu.edu.hk

Learning OutcomesBy the end of today’s session, you will be able to:

Differentiate between mainstream and alternative media

Search for and identify information sources that provide alternative points of view

Predict the terminology that writers with different viewpoints would use to describe the same issue

Alternative media sources

Alternative MediaMainstream media: Generally controlled by governments and large corporations

CNN, BBC, Reuters, etc.Editorial position generally reflects mainstream opinion

Alternative media: Smaller, independent sources of information

Allow for dissenting points of view to be heardInternet has made access to alternative media much easier than in the past

Alternative Media ResourcesAlternative media websites useful for security studies:

Independent Media Center, http://www.indymedia.orgInitially established by independent and alternative media organizations and activists in 1999 to provide grassroots coverage of the WTO protests in Seattle

New Internationalist, http://www.newint.orgA self-described communications cooperative reporting on issues of world poverty and inequality

Inter Press Service, http://www.ips.orgA global news agency that aims to raise the voices of the South and civil society on issues of development, globalisation, human rights, and the environment

The above sources were identified using Mount Allison University Libraries’ Alternative Media Guide: http://www.mta.ca/library/alternative_media.html. Check it out yourself for more sources, and for additional information on alternative media.

Useful databaseYou can find the database below by typing it into OneSearch:

Opposing Viewpoints Research Centre

Covers controversial contemporary social issues, providing the views and opinions of both sides of the debate

Reading Exercise: Mother Jones article

Read the article, and think about the following:

1. What kind of tone/style does the author employ?

2. How does it compare with articles in the mainstream press (CNN, BBC, etc.)?

3. What political views do you think the author holds?

Find this article with a Google search for: Mother Jones Romney lies

Search terms and alternative viewpoints

Words, words, words...The words (search terms) you use are important. In fact, word choice can introduce bias into your searches.

For example, using the keywords genocide and Rwanda will exclude sources on this topic that very purposefully avoid using the word “genocide”

EuphemismEuphemism means the use of mild or indirect expressions when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing

For example, egg industry spokespeople may talk about the “instantaneous fragmentation” of male chicks

Image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Day_old_chick.jpg

Role playIf you were: Would you use the phrase:

The leader of Sinn Fein IRA TERRORIST?

The Iranian Foreign Minister NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION?

A Sudanese government spokesperson DARFUR GENOCIDE?

The CEO of Blackwater MERCENARIES?

The head of the CIA TORTURE?

Exercise - Identifying alternate terms

Working in small groups, come up with some alternate terms and euphemisms for the topic you have been given

Apart from your own knowledge, try searching Google and Wikipedia for examples

Summary: Covering all points of view

Mainstream sources Alternative sources

Mainstream terminology

- Mainstream opinion - Mixed views- Alternative media

commentary on mainstream opinion

Alternative terminology

- Mixed views- Mainstream media commentary on alternative opinion

- Alternative opinions

Questions?