One of the more popular myths in Western society is that we have an unbiased press. Strictly speaking, of course, this is true. I have yet to meet any printing apparatus with an opinion of any sort. However, apart from a strictly technical standpoint, the claim to an impartial press is entirely speculative and idealistic. Even more impractical is the idea that the press is unbiased in matters of politics, but in matters of principles it is activated by some sort of altruistic desire to aid and educated the public. Two recent articles hint at this prejudice: James Deacons "The Joys of Excess," and Normon Solomon"s "Mixed Messages call for Healthy Skepticism." In the former of these two articles, Deacons discusses the frightening trends in consumer culture -- as part of an essay in a paid subscription magazine. In the latter (in a somewhat ironic move) Solomon talks about the way that popular magazine"s like Time and Newsweek lecture about health in one issue while simultaneously selling ad space to cigarette and SUV companies -- what Solomon does not mention in his writing is that he has a syndicated column which runs in many publications that include such unhealthy advertising. Certainly, there is a problem with consumerism in our societies, and certainly the media makes this problem worse, yet the issue will not be resolved by media moguls allowing a few editorial self-flagellations to see the light of print. .

             "Dear Consumer, the following deadly products .

             are for now available for your purchasing pleasure.".

             Normon Solomon complains that "A special issue of Time.was filled with health information. page after page of informative journalism, [and also]. dozens of lucrative full-color ads pegged to the theme of health." He rightfully points out that the media is hawking products that kill people, and that even while they offhandedly claim to provide health advice, they cover up the major problems in our society in terms of health.