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Simple Question: Does the Media Use Their Dais to Sway and Influence the Public?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by righteousdude2, Nov 17, 2011.

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Is It Wrong For People of Influence to Use Their "Bully Pulpit" to Sway Others???

  1. Yes

    5 vote(s)
    62.5%

  2. No

    4 vote(s)
    50.0%

  3. If you have it to flaunt; I say, "flaunt it."

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%

  4. I am concerned, but see nothing to stop it from happening.

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%

  5. Bully Pulpits have been used to keep women out of the White House.

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%

  6. I have no doubt that charismatic people influence others.

    2 vote(s)
    25.0%

  7. It is wrong, but it is also the influential persons right to free speech.

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%

  8. Bully Pulpits are getting out of hand by unfairly influencing their followers.

    2 vote(s)
    25.0%

  9. This is life, accept it and move on.

    2 vote(s)
    25.0%

  10. Bully Pulpits are a definite "misuse" of power.

    2 vote(s)
    25.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
Top Posters
  1. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    I have been concerned with the media, popular and well known comedians, radio talk-show hosts (this includes Christian stations too), network and cable news channels, movie stars, professional athletes, and other people of significant interest and clout that use their personal "bully pulpit" to influence and sway the opinions of the general public. Especially when it comes to political offices at all levels of the government!

    I'd be interested in how the members of the Church view this?!?!?

    Thanks :type:
     
    #1 righteousdude2, Nov 17, 2011
  2. matt wade

    matt wade Well-Known Member

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    Of course people of influence attempt to influence people. It's not always political. It's not wrong when it is political. We hear a lot of "Why doesn't so and so shut up and just sing/act/play ball/etc.", well why should they? Who says people can't do more than one thing? Should Ronald Reagan have shut up and acted?
     
    #2 matt wade, Nov 17, 2011
  3. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    I had to vote yes and no. The reason is that the term "bully Pulpit" does not mean the person has any literal power over another except to be more likely heard. If the person speaking is doing good then the bully pulpit would be a good thing. If they are doing evil then it would be an evil thing, but no matter what the person is saying it is up to the hearer in the end to opt out or in after they search out to see if what has been said is good or bad.
     
    #3 freeatlast, Nov 17, 2011
  4. David Lamb

    David Lamb Active Member

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    I'm a bit confused as to what I should be answering: The question in the thread's title ("Does the Media Use Their Dais to Sway and Influence the Public?"), or the question of the poll title ("Is It Wrong For People of Influence to Use Their "Bully Pulpit" to Sway Others???")

    In other words, are you asking about Christian preaching (whether in print, in a church service, on a tv/radio station or website) or the influence of "celebrities" on political and other secular opinions?

    Judging by what we see in the coverage of your presidential elections, the latter seems to be far more common in America than here, where it is very rare to see celebrities publicly backing a particular political party.
     
    #4 David Lamb, Nov 18, 2011
  5. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    And That's the Way it Should Be...

    ....here in the USA. Thanks for your comments, and may you be wonderfully blessed as the Season for the Reason is just around the corner.
     
    #5 righteousdude2, Nov 18, 2011
  6. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    I agree. Those are two different questions and I am not sure which we were intended to answer. The second question would seem to question if it is right for a preacher to use his position to try to sway others while the first is only the media.

    My answer, either way though, was 'this is life, get over it.' The media does it as do anyone else who has the power and influence to make their views known. C'est la vie, it has always happened and always will.
     
    #6 NaasPreacher (C4K), Nov 18, 2011
  7. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Ding, ding, ding! You nailed it FAL!!!
     
    #7 NaasPreacher (C4K), Nov 18, 2011
  8. Mexdeaf

    Mexdeaf New Member

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    I agree, except I would replace the terms "good" and "bad" (or "evil") with the words "true" and "false" respectively.
     
    #8 Mexdeaf, Nov 18, 2011
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