The Media Plays a Crucial Role in Forming Public Opinion

The media plays a crucial role in forming and reflecting public opinion. It is even said to be a “mirror” and “molder” of public opinion, meaning that the public copies or follows as well as assembles thoughts and judgments through the media and the information it displays. Fahrenheit 9/11 and Fahernhype 9/11 both contain information that have mirrored and molded the opinions of the American public on the Bush Administration and the War on Terrorism. Both films give complete opposite viewpoints and two very distinct messages that Americans have used to form opinions.

Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 gives a very harsh critique of George W. Bush, his administration and the War on Terrorism. At the beginning of the film, Moore displays President Bush as being irresponsible and very unproductive during the first months of his presidency before the September 11th attacks. He describes Bush as having no clue what actions to take after learning of the attacks without being told by advisors, and frankly makes President Bush look like an idiot. He also states that the media did not provide accurate details of what led to the invasion of Iraq and that there is any reason not to believe that the government and several large companies used a tragic attack on civilians as a reason to go to war so that they could make a profit. The film is indeed very one sided and strongly against the actions of President Bush and his administration. After watching the film and seeing the President and our government portrayed in a very negative way you almost can’t help but question whether or not our government is always