With her announcement of a double mastectomy, Angelina Jolie has created a social media tsunami. But according to columnist Patrik Etschmayer of Switzerland’s News, she has unwittingly done something else: expose the ugly underbelly of misinformed new media opinion.
For Switzerland’s News, Patrik Etschmayer writes in part:
Anyone who has actually read her statement realizes that this is woman who had a difficult decision to make – a decision influenced by her mother’s ten-year battle and eventual early death from cancer; the questions and fears of her children; as well as a genetic test that gave her an 87 percent chance of developing breast cancer, and 50 percent of ovarian cancer.
She expresses herself with the words of a woman who weighed very carefully what is best for her and her loved ones. But many social media commentaries were just off the cuff opinions, convictions and aloof expressions of superiority from those privileged NOT to be confronted with such a situation.
Jolie wanted to trigger a discussion and spread awareness of the problem. In this, she has succeeded. However, as almost is always the case in these times of social media, the indeed lively discussion is mainly driven by opinion rather than analysis of the facts. Simply put, this culture of opinion, characterized by reflexive commentary, has been made extremely visible in this specific case, but also determines the political and social discourse on issues beyond the tabloids.
It’s safe to say that these breasts of contention won’t change our cultural discourse, but they can serve as a wonderful example of how not to discuss other people – whether prominent or not, whether rich or poor. Because, to quote the words of Peter Glaser, we wouldn’t so freely express our opinions if we had more ways of better informing ourselves before hitting the send key.
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