Only two sides make one coin...

Due to our immense dependence and exposure to media, we sometimes forget about the simple fact. TWO sides make ONE coin.

As we all slow down and unwind with our phones. We put our faith in our devices to make us feel better. Better can mean different things to different people - some people feel better by, let's say, watching The Wolf of Wall Street, reading, or texting. We essentially, through this practice, put our faith in the media.

This is not a problem - obviously. Otherwise, how would you be reading this (thanks for that btw :)

But obviously, I am here to highlight an issue. Call it a situation - something of the sticky kind. To consume what I am to write, I do hope you will read with an open mind.

If you don't - then - this read won't be fun for you.

Media coverage of the world's issues is precisely curated towards the best interest of certain groups. This basically means that what we see on our phones, televisions, tablets, laptops, or desktops; basically everything. It is all shown to suit the interest of those who control the media.

This, unknowingly, leaves impressions on us. Someone subject to majorly Western Media would have had incorrect presumptions and thoughts about sects. Even though never seen in action, these persisting thoughts would linger.

These, incorrect impressions refer to the stereotypes we live with. The procedure through which these impressions are ingrained within us could be considered similar to Orientalism. Orientalism means two things, one is the proper definition, and the other is a book written by Edward Said. The book goes over 400+ pages of examples of how media coverage radicalises the Middle-East for people who have not been there.

However, growing up if you pick and chose the media you consume - the impressions (on different sects or religious groups) you would have might be very different from the person sitting next to you. (Sorry if you are sitting alone, here is a hug)

This process, nonetheless (not just Orientalism, the entire process of implanting impressions), is done with such craftiness, that the word stereotype is also resentful to us. This makes it difficult to break free from those stereotypes entirely.

That is why it is important to know the two sides of the same coin. Knowing you, you must be busy, so, at least think about the two sides. Reading up on the different sides can be tiresome and very time consuming. I get it. So, rather, leave room in your head to not form a concrete impression, but only a presumption. This can be achieved simply with conscious consumption of media.

Whenever being exposed to depiction of any sect, group, category of society - it is essential that we make a conscious effort to understand the impression that particular media would leave on us. Otherwise, we will not be able to understand the true value of the coin.