--8--VIEWPOINTS:WHAT'S THE FILTER?

   What's The Filter?

   When one's own viewpoint is mistaken for reality ,there are no other viewpoints.

   The ability to detach from one's own point of view and assume another's is an skill; it enables us to communicate better with others and gain new perspectives. However ,if we forget that all information must flow through  the filters of human biases ,we confuse information with reality . 

  Viewpoints In Literature

   When we study the elements of literature such as plot ,theme and character a crucial element  is the point of view of that tell story .In literature author can choose a third person to tell the story with omniscient or limited understanding .Other choices of viewpoint include a first person narrative told by one characters. In each case ,the author  must decide how much information and sensitivity this view point will allow and how this perspective will shape the story and effect the reader .

  

   Recognizing Viewpoints Left And Right

 
   Today's student often find it both frustrating and confusing to understand ,use .and apply the labels "left"and "right" to categorize shifting world patterns  of political ,social ,economic  ,and religious values . In years past ,the following left to right political spectrum  could be drawn :


LEFT                                                           RIGHT

• ANARCHISM                                       LIBERALISM 
• COMMUNISM                                      CONSERVATISM
• SOCIALISM                                          FASCISM 

Hidden Viewpoints :The Use Of  News Framing

  When we begin to understand that information's filtered  though human viewpoints ,we begin to ask more questions about "the daily news ."We begin to wonder who decides what's is news ?Are they truth seekers dedicated to public service  ?

   Learning the identity  of owners of any given TV network remains  a challenge in this decade of constant and overlapping media mergers .

  The Discovery Assignment  that follows is designed to introduce you to the technique  of news framing analysis..A news frame is basically the layout , placement ,and prominence  given to any story in a publication.

   Frame analysis habits teach us to detach from the influence of the frame and gain a more objective perspective of the hidden viewpoint it express .