IMOA: The logical lens to view fake news

(IMOA) Imagine Pacific Original Article 

The logical lens to view fake news

By James E. Faumuina, MBA, MPA 
Ph.D. Student Troy Global Leadership Program     

6/19/2024

Attkisson (2018) presented three questions in her TED talk titled "Sharyl Attkisson: How real is fake news?" regarding the phenomenon of fake news. She inquired about its origin, where it began, and how it was funded. These questions demonstrate the standard of "depth" (Paul & Elder, 2004) outlined by Paul and Elder's universal intellectual standards. By applying the standard of depth, she ensured her argument maintained what Paul and Elder referred to as the benefits of clarity, accuracy, and precision and notably avoided what they referred to as superficiality.

However, these questions may have flaws, as they could be based on a presumption of the sole acceptance of the depth universal intellectual standard (Paul & Elder, 2004), leading to a lack of rigor (Depoy & Gitlin, 2020). To enhance Attkisson's approach, the application of the standard of logic (Paul & Elder, 2004) could supplicate the depth standard. By emphasizing the potential for improvement in Attkisson's (2018) approach, we can instill a sense of hope in the audience about the future of media literacy. Invoking logic could have strengthened her premise by not only emphasizing the benefit of depth but also actualizing the benefit of "making sense" (Paul & Elder, 2004, p. 11).

Paul and Elder (2004) propose that to develop intellectual traits, the intellectual standards must be applied to the elements (p. 21). If that is true, then the four remaining intellectual standards of relevance, breadth, significance, and fairness should be considered in the assessment of Attkisson (2018) regarding the origin and phenomena of fake news. By stressing the importance of considering all intellectual standards, we can make the audience feel more engaged in the critical analysis process. With the standard of relevance, Paul and Elder (2004) require a utilitarian inventory of whether the information provided was of any use (p. 12).

The following standard of breadth requires an outward examination of the perspective of others (Paul & Elder, 2004). Significance provides for the priority of issues, inquiring, "Is this the most important problem to consider?" (p. 12). While Attkisson has met the requirements of these three standards, the final standard of fairness is debatable. In applying this standard, Paul and Elder require a self-examination of vested interest (p. 12). However, from the onset of Attkisson's (2018) presentation, she referred to the vestibule of fake news as shadowy. This leads me to consider that Attkisson began this investigation with an established bias, which Depoy and Gitlin (2020) hold as contradictory to the tenets of logical positivism (p. 45).

James is the owner of Imagine Pacific Enterprises and the Editor of Imagine Pacific Pulse (IMPULSE). He is a retired Lt Col, Hawaii Air National Guard. Former medical administrator, planner, program manager, and operations officer. Graduated from the USAF Air War College and is currently a Ph.D. student in the in Troy Global Leadership Program. He can be contacted at jfaumuina@troy.edu 

References

Depoy, E., & Gitlin, L. N. (2020). Introduction to research: Understanding and applying multiple strategies (6th ed.). Elsevier Inc. 

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2004). The miniature guide to critical thinking: Concepts and tool (8th ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.

TEDx (2018, February 13). Sharyl Attkisson: How real is fake news? [Video]. YouTube 

🌏 IMSPARK: A Pacific Crossroads: Charting a Course in Shifting Tides🌏

🌏 Imagine... a Pacific Crossroads: Charting a Course in Shifting Tides🌏

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific community that remains a tapestry of diverse cultures and sovereign nations, navigating the complexities of global geopolitics while maintaining autonomy and peace in the region.

🔗 Link: 

China-Solomon Islands Security Pact

📚 Source: 

Liu, Z. Y. (2022). What the China-Solomon Islands Pact Means for the U.S. and South Pacific. Council on Foreign Relations.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The China-Solomon Islands security pact represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the South Pacific, a region traditionally influenced by the United States and its allies. The agreement, which allows for Chinese presence in the Solomon Islands for security purposes🛡️, has raised concerns about the potential for a Chinese military base less than two thousand kilometers from Australia.

For the Pacific community, this development is a reminder of the delicate balance between sovereignty and external influence. The pact underscores the need for Pacific Island nations to engage in proactive diplomacy to navigate these new waters. It also highlights the importance of regional unity🤝 and the preservation of the Pacific’s unique cultural heritage in the face of growing international interest.

The implications of the pact extend beyond security; they touch upon economic, environmental, and social aspects of life in the Pacific. As such, it is crucial for Pacific leaders to ensure that any agreements align with the long-term interests of their people and environment.⚖️ The Pacific must leverage its strategic position to foster sustainable development and inclusive growth, ensuring that the region does not become a pawn in a larger geopolitical game but remains a vibrant, resilient community.

#PacificCommunities, #Geopolitics, #IslandSovereignty, #GlobalCrossroads, #Unity, #CulturalHeritagePreservation, #OceanicPeace, #StrategicBalance, #IMSPARK, 

🤲 IMSPARK: A Pacific Horizon: Unveiling Potential Through Dyslexia Awareness🤲

🤲 Imagine... A Pacific Horizon: Unveiling Potential Through Dyslexia Awareness🤲

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific that embraces neurodiversity, leading to innovative contributions that enrich whole of community.

🔗 Link: 

Mind Test Dyslexia Spectrum

📚 Source: 

Mind Test. (2024). Dyslexia Test Online. Retrieved from https://www.mind-test.org/dyslexia-test

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

In the Pacific, where oral traditions and storytelling are integral to culture, dyslexia presents unique challenges and opportunities. The "Mind Test Dyslexia Spectrum" offers an online assessment for dyslexia🧠, providing a valuable resource for individuals across the Pacific Islands to identify potential learning differences.

Understanding dyslexia is crucial in the Pacific, where resources can be scarce, and educational support may vary widely🌴. Tools like the  "Mind Test Dyslexia Spectrum" help in this, offering an early recognition tool that can be a game-changer for communities. By recognizing dyslexia early, communities can offer targeted support, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. This is particularly important in the Pacific, where collective well-being is deeply connected to each member's success.

The "Mind Test Dyslexia Spectrum" is not just an online test; it's a step towards empowerment. It allows individuals to seek help and strategies to manage dyslexia🗣️. It also serves as a tool for educators and policymakers to understand the prevalence of dyslexia in their communities and to develop inclusive educational practices that honor the Pacific's rich linguistic and cultural diversity. This potential for empowerment is what makes this tool truly transformative.

The impact of such a resource cannot be overstated. It has the potential to transform lives by fostering a supportive environment where those with dyslexia are not only accepted but celebrated for their unique perspectives🌟. This aligns with the Pacific values of inclusivity and community, paving the way for a future where every mind's potential is unlocked and every voice is heard.

#DyslexiaAwareness, #Neurodiversity, #InclusiveEducation, #Pacific,#Diversity, #CommunityAwareness, #UnlockingPotential, #IMSPARK,

🏥 IMSPARK.: a Thriving Pacific: Navigating the Future of Care🏥

🏥 Imagine... a Thriving Pacific: Navigating the Future of Care🏥

 

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific community where every individual, regardless of age or ability, receives the care they need to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, supported by robust policies and a dedicated workforce.

🔗 Link: 

Care Matters: A 2024 Report Card

📚 Source: 

Valle-Gutierrez, L., Kashen, J., Jalango, F., Mendes, K., & Worker, J. (2024). Care Matters: A 2024 Report Card for Policies in the States. The Century Foundation.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The “Care Matters: A 2024 Report Card” is a pivotal document that assesses the state of care policies across the United States. It highlights the essential nature of care work and the historic undervaluing of this sector⏱️. Despite the critical services provided by care workers, the report reveals a fragmented and insufficient system that fails to support care workers and families adequately.

In the Pacific, where community and 'ohana (family) are deeply valued, the report’s findings resonate profoundly. The Pacific Islands face unique challenges🌊, such as geographic isolation, limited resources, and cultural diversity, which can complicate the implementation of care policies. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovative approaches tailored to the Pacific context.

The report card serves as a call to action for Pacific leaders to prioritize care infrastructure, recognizing that it is not just a social good but an economic imperative🌱. By investing in care, the Pacific can create jobs, promote equity, and ensure that all members of the community can live with safety and dignity🤝. The end goal is a care system that reflects the values of aloha and malama (to care for), ensuring that the Pacific leads the way in caring for its people.

#PacificCare, #CommunityHealth, #Aloha, #IslandInnovation, #Ohana, #DignifiedLiving, #CareEconomy, #IMSPARK,