This video is a perfect example of the missing perspective of those who criticize American media in absolute terms. Certainly there are subjective media outlets for every possible ideology, but the graphic propaganda of this advertisement is rare in the highly regulated and politically correct media culture of the western hemisphere.

The press remains one of the least trusted institutions in this country. Though I agree that we should not place complete faith in news media, caution should not exceed the power of good judgement. Both objective and subjective news publications exist ( i.e. PBS News Hour vs. Fox News), but a choice exists for us that is absent in much of the Middle East.

I would like to know how many of the few media corporations in the Arab world have shown this ad or one like it. This kind of sensationalism breeds and perpetuates the stereotypes journalism is supposed to avoid. A key element to gauging a news station’s quality should be the avoidance of inflammatory material like this video.