For crying out loud, please understand what’s fake news
The weaponization of a phrase
It is perhaps one of the ironies of the New Malaysia that some of the most vocal opponents of the Anti-Fake News Act are now the loudest to cry “fake news” whenever a report has accuracy issues, whether it is a typo, a translation error or a take on a piece of political gossip that has come to dominate the national psyche.
The origins of the phrase
“Fake news” is a phrase weaponised by none other than Donald Trump against media critical of him in the run-up to the 2016 US presidential election. In his first press conference after winning the presidency, he even accused a CNN reporter of being “fake news”.
A global phenomenon
The copycat acts were almost viral. Suddenly, fake news was the greatest threat, with politicians from Australia to Canada accusing their rivals and the media of spreading it. Collins Dictionary even named “fake news” as the Word of the Year.
Malaysia’s experience
In Malaysia, there’s no prize for guessing who uses it with the most passion these days.
Trump-like behavior
Many other Trump copycats are lurking behind the cushioned seats of the Dewan Rakyat on both sides of the divide.
A lesson to be learned
Can the same be said of the current government’s countless policies after coming to power? Perhaps it’s time for members of the press to throw back this highly weaponised phrase at our politicians.
The real meaning of fake news
Our politicians must learn to understand what fake news is. It is deliberate disinformation, and has nothing to do with honest mistakes in reporting.
Conclusion
It is time for our leaders to move beyond the rhetoric and understand the true meaning of fake news. The media plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable, and it is essential that we have a clear understanding of what constitutes fake news. Only then can we have a more informed and responsible discussion about the role of the media in our society.
FAQs
What is fake news? Fake news is deliberate disinformation, and has nothing to do with honest mistakes in reporting.
Who weaponized the phrase “fake news”? Donald Trump weaponized the phrase “fake news” against media critical of him in the run-up to the 2016 US presidential election.
What is the global impact of the phrase “fake news”? The phrase “fake news” became a global phenomenon, with politicians from Australia to Canada accusing their rivals and the media of spreading it.
How can we move forward? We must learn to understand the true meaning of fake news and stop using it as a weapon to silence critics. The media plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable, and it is essential that we have a clear understanding of what constitutes fake news.