How doubt is manufactured

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Reference no: EM133196921 , Length: Word count: 750 words

Assignment Task:

Part 1: A typical approach corporations take in attempting to refute claims that their products and/or services are hazardous involves "manufacturing doubt." Be specific in explaining how doubt is manufactured and who does the manufacturing for the corporations. Manufacturing doubt also involves staging a misleading "debate" by convincing the mass media that they must give equal weight to both sides-"journalistic balance." Big Tobacco (cancer), Big Sugar (heart disease, diabetes, obesity), and Big Oil (climate change) have all attempted to cloud and distract from their problems using this technique. Critics have argued that giving accurate weight to both sides is much more important. Explain what journalistic balance is and then write a brief critical analysis of this technique from the point of view of protecting citizens, their health, and the environment. Focus on how "journalistic balance" will be misleading when there is a scientific consensus and when there is bad science or junk science that is advanced by corporate defenders. It will help you answer this question if you watch the short trailer to the film, Merchants of Doubt.

YouTube Video: Merchants of Doubt Official Trailer 1 (2014) - Documentary HD

It will also help you answer this question if you watch the short, comedic, YouTube video ("Climate Change Debate," Last Week Tonight with John Oliver). This video makes key points but be warned that it does have an instance or two of rough language.

YouTube Video: Climate Change Debate: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Part 2: For Interface Carpets, environmental sustainability has been the core of their business model and the foundation for their growth and development as a company for years. In line with this, use specific material from either chapter to illustrate how Interface took a leadership role in the industry. Be specific in summarizing their key programs and initiatives in waste management (5), reduction of hazardous and toxic materials in their production process (6), implementing renewable energy technologies (7), OR promoting the circular economy through recycling (8). Based on statements he made in the video shown in class ("Growing a Sustainable Business-The History of Interface"), explain what Ray Anderson claimed Interface's highest purpose is (in addition to fulfilling their goals when it comes to ascending Mt. Sustainability). Finally, describe Interface's mission and explain how it motivates employees in ways money or pleasant social relationships could not.

Reference no: EM133196921

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