The Media Are Evolving…or Are They?

Evolution +1, Creationism 0

Last week, as The New York Times reported (4/6/06), scientists found fossils thought to be the “missing link” between fish and land animals. Naturally, the discovery lends additional credence to the well-established theory of evolution. Do the mainstream media who strove so zealously to “balance” evolution vs. creationism in their stories over the past couple years now regret their excessive even-handedness? I notice that Times reporter John Noble Wilford had to include a comment from non-scientist believers in creationism, who of course remained skeptical about the “fishapod.” Of course, the fact that the fossils further bolster evolution merits mention, but once again it’s not as if the science world was split on the topic before.

(For an overview of past coverage of evolution, take a look back at my Dec. 21 entry, Science and Sophistry. )

Kissing Off Katie?

Since CBS announced "Today" show cohost Katie Couric will be its evening news anchor, the appointment has come in for some sexist mockery. This cartoon, for example, chides chatter about the choice as shallow compared with discussing Darfur. It is, but less important topics elbow out genocide all the time.

Let’s face it: a woman as lone evening news anchor is a historic milestone in America, and a victory for women. (Belated though it may be…)

As to Couric’s qualifications, people forget that she is a former Washington correspondent (who once went by “Katherine” Couric). Edward Wyatt of The New York Times (4/6/06) described her background thus: “an aggressive, award-winning reporter at local television stations in Miami and Washington, then as an NBC News Pentagon correspondent and reporter in Saudi Arabia after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.”

Her admittedly annoying perkiness on "Today" is part of her job description. Morning shows are designed to be as fluffy as muffins, but -- being a business -- CBS would not have selected Couric unless they were confident she is competent, and able to muster sufficient seriousness for the anchor's role.

Katie, please prove me right.

“Much Ado About a Hairdo”

I agree with Cynthia McKinney on most political issues, and pretty much agree as well that the fracas about her slapping a security guard is “much ado about a hairdo.” I wasn’t there, but she alleges the man touched her inappropriately. Let’s wait for the results of an investigation before we decide she’s a nutty hothead.

Moreover, the incident has been used as an excuse for some humor playing on racist and sexist stereotypes. Check out this cartoon, for example. Also, last week on “Saturday Night Live,” cast member Finesse Mitchell gave an editorial on its fake-news “Weekend Update” on “How to Deal with a Mad Black Woman” or something to that effect.

(Thanks to fabulous feminist cartoonist Mikhaela Reid for the heads-up on the editorial cartoons.)