Thought on Chapter 1 of Unspun

The first chapter of "Unspun" was an interesting read for me. It really made me aware of all the ways in which we as consumers are bombarded with prapaganda everyday. The examples given regarding Listerine were very eye opening. The deceptions and mistruths used by the company gave a lot of insight on the thousands of half truths that occur in the media every day. I don't usually stop to queation the validity of many of the advertisments and suggestions that are filtered to me through television, newpapers and radio. The chapter made me remember that I always need to question the information that is being given to me even if it seems like it is coming from a credible source. I think it makes sense that pathos was shown to be the most effective part of an argument because much of the media plays on our emotional wants and needs. We see an ad for whitening toothpaste with happy people and beauitul, attractive smiles and think that the toothpaste will make us happy, attractive and more youthful. Most political arguements appeal to pathos as well. There were tons of examples of propaganda in the debates of this past election as canadates did all they could to indentfy with the working man. This is definitely worth thinking about before casting a vote.