The huge gap between Tehran and Washington has
widened in recent months. Top officials of Iran and the United States
are not even within shouting distance. The styles of rhetoric differ,
but the messages in both directions are filled with hostility.When
Thanksgiving arrives, the media coverage is mostly predictable. Feature
stories tell of turkeys and food drives for the needy. We hear about
why some people, famous and unknown, say they feel thankful. And, of
course, holiday advertising campaigns launch via TV, radio and print
outlets.
Like our own responses to Thanksgiving, the repeated media messages are
apt to be contradictory. Answers to basic questions run the gamut: How
much time and money should we spend on the holiday dinner compared to
helping the less fortunate? Is this really the time to count our
blessings - or yield to ads that tell us how satisfied we'll be after
buying the latest brand-new products and services?
Under the surface, some familiar media themes are at cross purposes
this time of year. Holiday celebrations that speak to the need for
compassion and spiritual connection are frequently marked by efforts
and expenditures that point in opposite directions. Within the media
echo chambers, a lot of the wallpaper is the color of money...
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