unSpun: Conclusion

I just finished reading UnSpun which concludes with a final case study on the Hoodia weight-loss supplement. The propaganda involved with the product is exposed in the case. Each argument, trick, warning sign, rule, and lesson that was discussed throughout the book was restated or addressed in this final chapter. The actual information regarding the Hoodia ad campaign was interesting, but I had heard about it before. What peaked my interest instead was the humble way the authors concluded the book. They boiled their advice down to two words: respect facts. They understand the challenges of being one consumer, one voter in a world of disinformation. They recognize how many of the concepts they have displayed can be overwhelming. But the rules and lessons they provided to the reader throughout their book resound in the final paragraphs and gave me confidence. They advise readers to start with little things, like "what cold remedy to buy." I know that in at least that small way this book has changed my perception, and I hope that I can conquer greater fact-checking as my financial and consumer needs and desires grow. I feel better knowing I am armed with all of the tips provided by UnSpun and I am determined to avoid spin.


Toxic Sludge is Good For You has also been very eye-opening for me. Chapter 9 discusses the environment, an issue that is very important to me. It saddened me to realize some truths about environmental organizations, like that they are "first and foremost business ventures" and that some organizations exist simply to displace the "misconception" of ecological crises. That is why not everything is being done to help the environment, because many people are still arguing no issue exists. I cannot even explain how much that enfuriates me. The environment is not something anyone should take a stance on. The problems we face are not myths and we need to rally together to cause some relief. Anti-environmental PR companies need to be outlawed!