Blog #3: Intro to Critical Thinking

Alec Fisher’s article, “Critical Thinking: An Introduction,” highlights how critical thinking involves the expanding of one’s’ intelligence by being open to multiple perspectives and extreme possibilities in order to effectively determine the validity of the sources one is critically analyzing. By critically thinking about America’s media sources, people are beginning to recognize the governmental political agendas behind them and are creating shows that evade government censorship. Satiric shows, such as Rachel Maddow’s, approach political media in a unique way. Ironically, these shows tell the truth through parodies and sarcasm as a means of delivering reality in a more euphemistic and humorous manner. The article discussing Maddow’s technique, “Sarcastic Times,” implies that a shift has occurred in “how people like information conveyed.” One of the crucial aspects of critical thinking is being open to multiple perspectives and unique information, making satirical shows so successful. In addition, Americans are constantly looking for new ways to “absorb information” and Maddow’s absurdities deliver a juvenile yet refreshingly humorous way to communicate information. She employs the use of critical thinking by taking facts and shedding new light on them in a way that she deduces will appeal to her audience’s attention. The article supports this form of critical thinking by implying that laughing at political flaws will yield more powerful results than merely condemning them. Unfortunately not everyone is being as open to differing perspectives as they should be, as demonstrated in the New York Times article: “The Rage is Not About Healthcare.” In fact, people are doing the exact opposite of critical thinking by shouting out without considering the negative consequences of their harsh threats. Americans are allowing stereotypical prejudices against blacks, gays, and non-whites to influence their governmental support, or lack thereof, and cloud their judgment. Such prejudices are encouraging citizens to shoot down everything the government promotes with no valid reason for doing so. Power shifts are instilling fear in people and are inhibiting them from critically thinking in a non-biased manner towards minorities, despite evidence of logical reasoning from said political minorities. Furthermore, Fisher illustrates how attitude plays a crucial role in critical thinking. If everyone were to adapt a less cynical and more positive, open-minded attitude towards politics, they could critically think about political issues through a more accurate perspective and consequentially yield more viable solutions.