Y11 ATAR S2 Written 3
Time for some Critical Thinking
Start with these first videos that raise questions about ownership, funding, power and influence.
Who owns mainstream news outlets?
Who owns big pharma?
Who owns social media?
What is the FDA?
Who funds the FDA?
Could the FDA be influenced by the funding bodies?
Have problems surfaced? If so, what problems?
The purpose of this page is to prepare you for the next written task. There are Google Forms for you to complete before you attempt the assessment proper.
It will cover the following Syllabus Dot Points:
System of communication
media ownership, sources of revenue and expectations of particular media
Narrative, codes and conventions
use of narrative in journalistic or influential media work
how media work is constructed to convey preferred meanings, themes, values and point of view
Representation
representation of groups, places, events and ideas
how values shape representations
selection processes, including sources of information, style, selection, omission and emphasis
Watch the videos below, and take notes on the contradicting positions, how the different media (mainstream and alternative) use narrative, omission and inclusion of information, to represent issues, people and products. Also consider ownership and conflicts of interest, and who, if anyone, we can trust.
How are good people trying to help avoid the virus?
What are crazy people doing?
What animal is on the medicine box?
Why did they use this image?
Based on this narrative, what kind of animals can use Ivermectin?
What does Ivermectin kill?
Why should it not be taken?
Is there any situation that a person should take Ivermectin? Why/why not?
What is Ivermectin used for?
Is Amazon being glorified or vilified? Why/why not?
Is Amazon's search function dangerous or misleading?
Why do they say this a "shocking story"?
What are, "the corners of the internet?"
What do "experts say"? it's likely to land you in hospital
Who are the experts?
What negative words are used to describe Ivermectin and people who say it works?
What medication was bought online, and what did the patient do with it?
What effects can happen, according to the expert?
Is there any mocking in this video? Of whom?
Have people been censored with the excuse of "misinformation"?
Is this a biased report? Why/why not?
Was the vaccine supposed to stop the spread?
How effective does Pfizer say their vaccine is?
Are there adverse safety issues? How do they know?
Under what conditions can emergency use authorisation be approved? (this information is not discussed)
Has the Pfizer CEO been vaccinated?
Is he presenting himself as virtuous for not having it?
Have other people in society been vilified for not having it?
Does Pfizer pay money to news providers?
Is it possible this might influence the narratives presented by these news providers?
Do you think Bill Gates is a public health expert or an entreneneur who saw an opportunity to increase his own wealth?
Is it possible other people exploited the Covid19 pandemic, and profited by the response? If so, who, and how much did they profit?
Does this video present evidence that goes against the mainstream media narratives? If so, how?
When properly interrogated, do the Pfizer officials appear to be telling the truth?
How has the narrative been shaped?
How much of the Facebook Covid19 factchecking company is owned by a Pharmaceutical company?
What other connections are there between the factchecking company and Big Pharma?
Could a multi-billion dollar stake give the company some influence over the 'facts'?
Finally, here's a piece on the Narcissism of the Factcheckers that will help you think about all these things critically.
Is it a misrepresentation to call Ivermectin a "horse de-wormer"?
How could it have been represented more honestly?
Can you think of any motive anyone might have for misrepresenting it?
Is Ivermectin as bad as those earlier videos insisted?
Once you have watched all the videos above, completely, and taken notes, complete this exercise as final preparation for your written task.
Your written task will consist of two questions, and you will be required to answer both.