Talk Radio: The Town Square

The other day I listened to a talk radio network I have enjoyed for six years.  A pattern has emerged on this network that includes ultra right guests.  For some time, I have thought about how to handle some of the mistruths and propaganda offered.  I watch the room and few have the gumption to stand up.

Their latest rant was on the wonders of Trump.  Now I surely don't think you have to address every idiot remark he makes but you sure don't have to listen to him.  I don't.  Won't.  Some actually believe he is the messiah.  That his visit here is timely.  That Trump was called in to shake us up.  That he will lead us to the promised land.  That is precisely what the right wing guest told us.  He thinks the messiah is one and the same man who separates families illegally coming into the United States.  A man who puts children in cages as young as toddlers.  A messiah you say? Really?

A woman chasing, thrice married man, who defaults on business deals, won't pay his contractors, can't keep staff, and puffs out his chest every opportunity he gets is hardly a messiah.  But what really bothers me now is the self-censorship imposed by these media-type outlets. It is a one way conversation and they will delete comments that are not in agreement with these guest or the host.

It can be argued that talk radio and chat rooms are essentially the public square.  A town square.  I remember a Supreme Court decision years ago that ruled in favor of the Town Square.  That people have the right to gather, speak their truth and can' t be censored.

Let me divurge a bit.  These same moderators or producers that censor the listeners do it unevenly.  They allow porn photos of women, or men because they are friends with these listeners.  Its the buddy buddy system.  They won't hesitate to delete your comment, ban you or call you out.  But these radio talk shows allow their hosts to objectify women with photos of them designed to attract your gaze.

Frankly, I am well nigh tired of this crap.  Speaking out doesn't mean you disrespect the guest or the host.  It does mean you call them out.  You address this crap and if you are smart, you leave.  But first you address this injustice.  You call out these lies and mistruths.  Ultimately, perhaps  the best way to handle this is to boycott their shows.  To every thing there is a season.

Ultimately, we teach people how to treat us.  Active or passive.