Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Normalizing catastrophes and catastrophizing normalcy (with Mike Pesca)
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Aug 9, 2023 
In this engaging conversation, Mike Pesca, host of The Gist and an experienced journalist, critiques the media's tendency to sensationalize ordinary events, a phenomenon known as catastrophizing. He discusses the dangers of paltering in journalism, questioning whether real objectivity is achievable or if reporters should focus on driving social change. With insights on environmental advocacy and the complexities of cancel culture, Pesca highlights the impact of media narratives on public perceptions and fears about societal threats.
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Catastrophizing the Normal
- Media catastrophizes the normal and normalizes the catastrophic.
- Covering unusual phenomena is media's job; it's up to the audience to interpret responsibly.
Paltering in Opinion Journalism
- Paltering, saying something factually true but cherry-picked, is common in opinion journalism.
- It shapes narratives by selectively focusing on certain facts to persuade audiences.
Sampling Shooting Database
- Spencer Greenberg randomly sampled a shooting database to understand gun violence better.
- This gave him a different perspective than media coverage, revealing many cases were young men with guns getting into fights.