Last Week Tonight Is Dangerous
charcoalbin.comI am curious to why the author chose Last Week Tonight specifically, rather than just focus on the genre of comedy/news or addressing the root issue (critical thinking).
Most of the article covers the format of late night shows, which is well known to most, I think. It is only in the last paragraph that we reach the “dangerous” part.
The crux of the argument is:
> Therein lies the main ‘danger’ in all of this: when viewers aren’t thinking critically and/or are using the show as a news source
Which, is true of literally every show, newspaper, media outlet, etc. Critical thinking has been a key issue in communication from the dawn of time, and will be an issue forever forward. I don't think it's fair to lay blame at the feet of a single show.
Author here. I agree with your point. The show is not only news but a political cartoon and most of my arguments could share the same criticisms that come with those formats.
However, I do think the show differentiates itself with the extra mile it often goes to act against issues (even if the call to action is small). It engages the audience further and I think has led to some misplaced idolization in a time where talk is especially cheap. From there, viewers' critical thinking faculties might start to break down and their biases, strengthen.
Thank you for commenting critically :)
Great to get some added insight to your choice and perspective, thanks for replying!