Ebert Reviews Reality

Roger Ebert on contemporary TV talking, er shouting heads, especially Fox's Bill O'Reilly:

"What are TV shouters telling their viewers? They use such anger in expressing their opinions. Who are they trying to convince? They're preaching to the choir. Their viewers already agree with them. No minds are going to be changed. Why are they so mad? In a sense they're saying: You're right, but you're not right ENOUGH! I'm angrier about this than you are! Viewers may get the notion that there's unfinished business to be done, and it's up to them to do it."

"There is little comfort to be had from today's polarized shouters. They are discontented, and they think you should be, too. They inspire fear and suspicion. There is a conspiracy, and you are the target. Dark forces are at work. There was a time when ordinary Americans would have been deeply offended by the way O'Reilly speaks about their President--any President."

If nothing else, be sure you click on the kinescope of the 1953 radio broadcast of Don McNeil's Breakfast Club. As Ebert suggests, close your eyes.