Paper Topics Since President Trump Has Taken Office

Paper Topicsince President Trump Has Taken Office He Has Been Critica

Since President Trump has taken office, he has been critical of mainstream media, calling it "fake news" and more recently dubbing it the "enemy of the people." This has prompted media outlets and other groups to call the criticism an attack on democracy. For your paper, argue in support of or against the following topic: Do you think mainstream media in the United States today support or undermine American democracy? As part of your response, you'll want to accomplish the following: 1. Define democracy 2. Examine the role of the free press in a democracy 3. Analyze how effectively the American press (print and broadcast) is fulfilling that role or not in practice rather than theory. This should be the main focus of your paper. Your arguments should be supported by evidence and statistics. 4. If you agree with President Trump, explain what the shortcomings of the free press are and what could be done to help enhance their effectiveness in advancing democracy in America. If you disagree with President Trump, what is the free press in the U.S. doing right and what should be done to better support the media in advancing democracy in America. Regardless of your position, your paper should explore counterclaims or the arguments of the other side and provide a justification as to why you think the other side's arguments are not well founded. FORMAT your essay using a normal 11- or 12-point font, single spaced. The essay should be 3-5 pages and submitted as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF file via Canvas by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between the mainstream media and American democracy has been a contentious issue, especially in recent years marked by political polarization and debates over the role of the press. President Donald Trump’s critical stance towards the media, which he labeled as “fake news” and “enemy of the people,” has intensified this debate. Understanding whether the U.S. mainstream media supports or undermines democracy requires a nuanced analysis that begins with defining democracy, exploring the vital role of free press, and assessing the media’s actual performance in practice.

Defining Democracy

Democracy, at its core, is a political system where power is derived from the people, typically exercised through elected representatives and protected by a set of fundamental rights including free speech, free press, and the rule of law. Democracy thrives on transparency, accountability, and informed citizen participation. The media, as the fourth estate, functions as a watchdog, informing the public, scrutinizing those in power, and facilitating civic engagement. Without an independent free press, democracy risks superficiality and susceptibility to corruption.

The Role of the Free Press in Democracy

In a democratic society, the press serves several critical functions. Firstly, it provides information that enables citizens to make informed decisions. Secondly, it acts as a check on government abuse and corruption by investigating and exposing wrongdoing. Thirdly, the media facilitates public discourse, allowing diverse viewpoints and debate to flourish. These functions support the democratic ideals of accountability, transparency, and participation. Historically, an independent and robust press has strengthened democracies by holding powers accountable and fostering public awareness.

Performance of the American Media in Practice

Evaluating the effectiveness of the U.S. mainstream media involves examining whether they adhere to these democratic functions in a manner that reinforces democracy. Numerous studies suggest that the American press often excels in investigative journalism and providing detailed coverage of political issues (Iyengar & Kinder, 2010). However, critics argue that market pressures, sensationalism, and partisan bias have compromised the media’s role, leading to polarization and misinformation (Tucker et al., 2018). Social media platforms have further complicated this landscape by enabling rapid dissemination of unverified information, and echo chambers that reinforce existing biases (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017).

Empirical evidence indicates that while mainstream media outlets do perform watchdog functions, their coverage can be skewed by commercial interests or ideological leanings, sometimes undermining their credibility and influence (Pew Research Center, 2019). Moreover, public trust in the media has declined, raising concerns about their capacity to effectively support democratic processes (Mitchell et al., 2019).

If You Support President Trump: Shortcomings of the Free Press

If one aligns with President Trump’s critique, the shortcomings of the American press include bias, sensationalism, and a tendency to prioritize entertainment over substantive discourse. These issues can erode public trust and contribute to polarization. To improve, media organizations could focus on enhancing journalistic standards, fact-checking rigorously, and promoting diverse, balanced viewpoints. Encouraging media literacy among the public would also help citizens critically evaluate news sources and reduce susceptibility to misinformation (Stanley, 2019).

If You Oppose President Trump: The Media’s Role in Supporting Democracy

Conversely, opponents argue that the U.S. mainstream media largely uphold democratic principles by investigating corruption, providing critical analysis, and exposing governmental overreach. The media’s watchdog role has been vital during crises, such as exposing abuses during the Watergate scandal or scrutinizing the abuse of power during recent administrations. To better support democracy, media outlets should strive for impartial reporting, avoid sensationalism, and foster inclusive debates, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented (Herman & Chomsky, 2002). Strengthening investigative journalism and protecting press freedom from political pressures are vital steps in this direction.

Counterclaims and Rebuttal

Opponents of this view contend that the media’s bias and sensationalism have damage public trust and hinder democratic deliberation. While this is partly valid, it overlooks the extensive efforts by many outlets to uphold journalistic integrity. Moreover, the existence of biased reporting does not negate the overall importance of a free press in supporting democratic accountability. A healthy democracy involves a multiplicity of perspectives, and responsible media institutions are essential to provide these diverse viewpoints.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mainstream media in the United States plays a crucial role in supporting democratic principles, despite facing challenges related to bias, commercialization, and public trust. While there are legitimate critiques, the overall contribution of the free press remains vital for an informed citizenry and accountable government. Enhancing journalistic standards, fostering media literacy, and protecting press freedom are indispensable measures for ensuring that the media continues to support democracy effectively.

References

• Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social Media and Fake News in the 2016 Election. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-236.
• Herman, E., & Chomsky, N. (2002). Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media. Pantheon Books.
• Iyengar, S., & Kinder, D. R. (2010). News That Matters: Television and American Opinion. University of Chicago Press.
• Mitchell, A., et al. (2019). Trust and Distrust in American Institutions. Pew Research Center.
• Pew Research Center. (2019). Public Trust in Media Declines to New Low. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
• Tucker, J. A., et al. (2018). Social Media, Political Polarization, and Polarized Media Use. Perspectives on Politics, 16(2), 346-366.