cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/1517933
Archived version: https://archive.ph/soqYt
Archived version: https://web.archive.org/web/20230816125643/https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/08/15/north-korea-enforces-an-anti-shorts-law-but-its-only-affecting-women
Tankies are out in full force today I see…
I’m as anti American as they get, but to go from that to pretending that any and all reports about places that happen to be anti-American (but in no shape or form pro anyone but the dictator and his minions) must be false because “CIA” (who actually do legit horrific things but tankies sleep during those) is the most not only ridiculous (and so so fucking western, which is ironic af), but actively counterproductive stance I could imagine taking.
I understand why people are skeptical. The source is Radio Free Asia which is literal US propaganda. I’m not super familiar with their reporting standards though. Even propaganda can have different levels of trustworthiness.
Edit: looks like they editorialize but reporting is largely factual, assuming this source is accurate: https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/radio-free-asia/
The only people who dismiss Radio Free Asia are those looking to deny the Uyghur genocide.
I don’t think it should be dismissed but it’s important to keep in mind that its primary goal is to promote the interests of the US government. That doesn’t mean it’s false but what stories they cover and the way they are covered will reflect that agenda.
No shit, but every story covered by any outlet reflects a fucking agenda, that’s the point of propaganda.
That still doesn’t explain the apologist tankie dumpster fire happening in these comments.
Seriously, what does it take in someone’s brain to switch and go “I know, today I’ll make excuses for an evil authoritarian regime!”, and what does it take to then be a level down and make excuses for them?
Not all news is propaganda. But yes, every news outlet has a particular viewpoint they are reporting from. For some that shines through stronger than others. Awareness of what that viewpoint is and what their goals are is an important part of media literacy. I don’t see discussions on that as making excuses for anyone, it’s just useful information.