Words out of place – lose sight of the essence, and meaning is lost as well.
We were very surprised to see a certain news report.
The Zaporizhzhia NPP in Ukraine has been attacked. Both Russia and Ukraine are engaged in the barrage of criticism, claiming the other country carried out the attack.
A member of the House of Councillors has reportedly questioned whether there is a problem with the way this news is being reported, stating that “Japanese news overwhelmingly covers announcements from the Ukrainian side and covers announcements from the Russian side far less.”
This Diet member reportedly believes the current media coverage is unfair, and he questioned, “Is it right to perceive Ukraine as good and Russia as evil ?” Furthermore, this Diet member reportedly commented “I don’t think we should make judgments based on the current incorrect information.”
What is this Diet member basing their assertion that the information is inaccurate on?
Is an attack on this nuclear power plant separate from the Russian invasion of Ukraine ?
In a typical issue, as this Diet member points out, both sides have their own justice, and the media should report after hearing both sides’ opinions.
However, regarding this issue, we must carefully consider what its root cause truly is. Had Russia not invaded Ukraine, this entire debate would never have arisen.
This Diet member stated just after the invasion of Ukraine that Ukraine and the United States also had causes. In other words, it seemed he was saying that Russia’s slaughter of Ukrainians is caused by Ukraine and the United States.
This may just be our interpretation, but it sounded like this Diet member was blaming Ukraine for not obeying Russia, rather than blaming Russia for the massacre.
It seems that these remarks made clear this Diet member’s view on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Again, if Russia had not invaded Ukraine, this discussion had not being take place at all.
Not to change the subject slightly, but television programs cover not only current affairs but also personal issues involving public figures and celebrities. Commentators on these programs express a variety of opinions.
These commentators include comedians, entertainers, celebrities, scholars, and so-called experts.
Most comments are within the scope of freedom of speech.
However, we often see commentators repeating extremely intense criticism (which could even be called character assassination) against public figures or celebrities whose way of thinking or ideology differs from their own.
Furthermore, they may completely reject the other person’s way of thinking or ideology, and declare it to be wrong. (What we don’t understand is that many of them are saying you should accept diversity.)
Many of the issues that are raised as problems involve both sides. we believed that correctly reporting from both sides’ perspectives was the role of the media. we may have been mistaken in this way of thinking.
Within the same TV program, they emphasize the importance of diversity and democracy, so they should understand that there are various ways of thinking and ideologies. Furthermore, they sometimes report on the problem of bullying of children.
We believe that statements made on television programs represent the official stance of the broadcasting station, not the personal statements of individuals. This is because television stations utilize public airwaves.(Furthermore, there are court precedents where retweets have been guilty as personal statements.)
If children watch these TV programs and then do the same thing to a specific child, wouldn’t that be bullying ?
Or do the media think they are special beings who should be allowed to do anything ?
In other words, do they believe only their own way of thinking and ideology is correct, and that they are teaching the right thing ?
In our opinion, this is a double standard.
Even if there is freedom of speech, the statements of TV programs and the statements of celebrities have a huge impact on viewers, and they should consider that they need to be careful about what they say.
Thanks.
2022/09/24 – 2025/11/29