The "Media" shapes us.

Whether you admit it or not, we are what we listen to. I once heard a reporter stating, 'people listen to the news cast about stuff they already believe'. Think about it, we don't listen to news agencies we disagree with. Whether it be FOX or MSNBC, you already believe what they are going to tell you.Even a weather report, you watch the one who delivers it the way you like, with maps and graphics you find appealing.
The media says they TRY to always tell a truthful report or the news. But, we all really know they bend it somewhat. It may to the left, or to the right, but they all have their bias. We believe what they say or print. And sometimes they lie, or at least fib. Sometimes they twist the truth so it looks totally different than the real truth. Each person looks at an incident in a different angle or aspect, and then interprets it the way THEY see it. This may sound like common knowledge or common sense, but when people says, "JOE BLOW DID THIS...." Check it out first before you blow your stack. Joe Blow may have done it to save a life or because he was forced. So always get the REAL truth...the underlying reason for his action.
We quit watch the TV news a number of years ago. I got tired get a slanted view and hearing only the 'bad stuff'. I guess people in general, are drawn to the gory and gross. That is why folks slow down when they pass a wreck with injuries. We use to call those folks "Rubberneckers" or "Lookie-Lous". And typically, there is always a rear-ending accident due to the slowing and looking. Later, you get the opportunity to review the accident on the evening news and hear their slant.
The Media gives us the news. We don't research it, unless you are personally there. The Media could feed us crap and say it's good for us or that flying saucers are landing in New York, as Orson Wells did in the 30's. People believed him and some killed themselves because they did NOT really research it. Mr. Wells stated it was an April Fool's joke.
So, don't be a "Chicken Little", check thing out before you pull the trigger. Get more than one source to verify a fact. Try listening to the other side and be a little more open minded, no matter what your believes may be. At least then, you can argue you view more sensibly and with more knowledge of the whole situation.