While proclaiming respect for diverse opinions, left-leaning media uniformly reject dissent regarding the threat posed by China. By examining editorials from major Japanese newspapers, this article exposes a structural refusal to engage in debate and a rigid ideological framework that excludes opposing views.
2017-08-02
What follows is a continuation of the previous chapter.
Such editorials appear whenever the occasion arises.
What is interesting is that even though the newspapers differ, they shout using the same wording, as if copied.
This too is evidence that left-leaning media all share the same mindset.
For example, Asahi Shimbun wrote the following in its March 6, 2017 editorial titled “The Danger of One-Party Dominance Without Dissent at the LDP Convention.”
“Listening to dissenting opinions and criticism, and constantly reflecting on oneself. Without such an attitude, power will腐敗. Its influence spreads widely among the people. The Liberal Democratic Party should once again engrave in its heart the dangers of power taught by history.”
Mainichi Shimbun’s May 1 editorial, “Thirty Years Since the Asahi Shimbun Attack — Rather, the Spread of Suppression of Dissent,” states the following.
“Accepting dissenting opinions and supporting a society where people can speak freely. As a news organization, we wish to renew our resolve. … Refusing to accept opinions one dislikes, and unilaterally labeling and excluding them. Fierce criticism and extreme arguments intimidate opponents and bring about silence. … The media must serve as the watchdog to ensure that visible and invisible pressure is not suppressing minority opinions.”
What about Tokyo Shimbun?
Its November 15, 2015 editorial following Prime Minister Abe’s re-election as president of the LDP wrote, “Rather than freely contesting arguments, the atmosphere within the party favors refusing dissent and maintaining ‘one solid bloc’ … Humbly listening to the diverse opinions existing among the public. That is the royal road for the LDP to revive as a party of the people.”
In its September 4, 2014 editorial following the launch of Abe’s reshuffled cabinet, it wrote, “Can it truly be said that they sufficiently took in dissenting opinions among the public and reflected upon their anxieties, rather than believing only their own assertions to be correct? … One even senses signs of strengthening suppression of dissent.”
If you ask me, Tokyo Shimbun in particular is utterly ridiculous.
While lecturing from a superior position to “humbly listen to diverse opinions,” what about themselves?
They do not allow dissenting views to be written by their own editorial board members.
Because the left does not accept dissent, it is in fact incapable of debate.
Since the premise is that they themselves are correct and they do not listen to the other side’s arguments, debate is impossible.
For example, how should one view the threat posed by China?
They say that “stoking the threat is the real problem.”
They do not move an inch from the perception that “China is not a threat but a partner aiming for coexistence and mutual prosperity.”
Therefore, left-leaning media arrive at the conclusion that “if any problem arises with China, it should be resolved through dialogue.”
Even if I say, “Isn’t China threatening the Senkaku Islands and extending its reach toward Okinawa?” such arguments are dismissed as dissent.
And that is the end of it.
To be continued.
What follows is a continuation of the previous chapter.