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by defo_nonconvex 3120 days ago
How does Oliver encourage helplessness? There's often a direct call-to-action at the end of particularly pointed segments, from contacting local representatives to the more frivolous hashtags for e.g. Phillip Morris. While I have issues with his style, the targets are usually well chosen.

With regards to your analogy...you would not have much luck encouraging a 2nd grader to improve their reading comprehension beyond 2nd grade by telling them to stick to a 2nd grade level of reading.
2 comments
creaghpatr 3120 days ago
Oliver’s segments often climax with the host desperately sputtering “its 2016 for Christ sakes!!!” His whole brand is pessimistic cynicism.
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nindalf 3120 days ago
The person you replied to gave 2 specific examples of Oliver making calls to action. If you're going to refute that point, you need to provide examples as well, not just vague assertions. Remember, the meat of Oliver's show is the 15-20 minute segment that is well researched, credits sources and contains a call to action at the end. The most famous example is probably Oliver's video about Net Neutrality 2 years ago galvanised support for it and is used even today to explain NN to laymen. Its absurd to claim that the show promotes cynicism when Oliver always exhorts his viewers to do _something_.

If you're objecting to a "its 2016!" at the end of a throwaway 30-second joke then you're being too sensitive IMO.

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cat199 3120 days ago
please - oliver is on the so-called-left end of the false dichotomy spectrum, whereas limbaugh is on the so-called-right end. both espouse a faux-popularism rooted in arguing against evil strawmen that lacks nuance and always slants towards greater centralized, large-entity control of society.
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defo_nonconvex 3120 days ago
False equivalence. There's a legitimate argument that allowing one media group to stealthily control local media markets creates potential for mass misinformation. Or that allowing tobacco companies to litigate against entire nations health initiatives is a bad idea. Both are large entities wanting to steer society into alignment with their profit motive.

It's not nearly similar in lack of to calling women prostitutes and sluts for advocating that health insurance should cover female contraception. Or calling 13 years old girls, "dogs".

It's not to do with left and right. It's to do with a basic sense of civility.

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