Some reflections in others' mirror

CJR, Colombia Journalism Review, presents an essay on the myths of America and also suggests the role of journalism "supposed to play" in englightening the American people and guiding them around and over the myths. It says, tho...

Extracts]

...among the lessons from studying the survival of societies is the need for "a willingness to re-examine long-held core values, when conditions change and those values no longer make sense." The press alone can't force this re-examination on the nation, but it could start the conversation...

...The trick is, of course, to find creative ways of working the fringes and connecting dots. That doesn't require that we in the press destroy the myths of America, but rather that we help cultivate an awareness of the ways such myths fuel arrogrance and limit American ingenuity...

...Indeed, an aspect of the mythology of America is the venerated common sense of its citizens. If presented with a challenge and given all the facts, it is said, the American people will make the right decision. They will roll up their sleeves and get to work. It's time for the press to embrace the myth and help the country decide where to begin.