NPR: No Perception Required

Strangely, NPR is considered the benchmark for those that want to be viewed as intelligent.  Whether you’re trying to shake off the shackles of your hick upbringing, attempting to validate your trust fund, or just desire to be one of the cool kids then listening to NPR is thought, by some, the most common way to achieve these important goals. 

However, this notion does leave room for doubt.  NPR’s reporters often speak rather slow and deliberate, over-explaining common terms and ideas with medicated, monotone voices that scream esoteric condescension.  At times this manner seems more appropriate for a body of adolescent students as opposed to an adult audience. 

Not only does this effectually question their listeners’ aptitude but it can also spread deceit when a controversial story is presented in this “nuts and bolts” fashion but neglects to present sincere, legitimate opposing information.  All things considered, this is public radio, seen as the radio of record by many--a trusty tax funded community resource, which naturally means it’s good for all.  NPR isn’t subject to commercials and sound bites and profits, which grant them the freedom to give the full story and spread the unvarnished truth--or so it is thought.  In other words, the misperception is that if a private news outlet presents facts in a report that NPR hasn’t mentioned then those details are automatically subject to criticism as mere corporate propaganda.  After all, that information hasn’t been derived from the incontrovertible, “everyman’s” public radio!  Honestly, wouldn’t Stalin delight in such attitudes?    

Furthermore, NPR’s pieces are usually peppered with background noises from where they’re reporting.  For instance, if a story is about people that work at a diner, you’ll inevitably hear dishes being stacked and silverware clinking as it’s thrown into a bus tub.  A cash register drawer can be heard sliding out while everyday patrons produce muffled chatter.  I liken these audio illustrations to pictures you would see in comic books, children’s literature, or perhaps an elementary school textbook.  The expression “do you want me to draw you a picture” comes to mind and this phrase isn’t intended to celebrate achieved understanding. 

So, if these are the formats that pass today as nurturers of intelligence then I must be missing something.  I remember when listening comprehension was mastered without sophomoric representations and over simplistic explanations geared towards a demographic that doesn’t seem to have even a rudimentary, objective knowledge of the world and its history.  In comparison to most other news outlets, NPR is the equivalent of "counting on your fingers".  And in case you’re wondering, that practice is not associated with a high level of intelligence.

           Therefore, it comes as little surprise that during the most recent Gaza War, NPR has successfully enlisted this less than mentally nimble band of wannabe geniuses to support the terrorists and hate the victims.  Nor is it any surprise that during the chaos of Ferguson their sympathies lied with thugs and looters and not law enforcement.  Isn’t it clear to see how this generation, spoon-fed by NPR, masquerading as intelligent, arrives at some of the poorest conclusions possible?  Oh, and aren’t you glad our tax money pays for 10% of that?