True Enough Chapter 1

True Enough, written by Farhad Manjoo, is a narrative about how we view the world differently, especially because of the media that we consume. It takes a psychological and sociological viewpoint on how the news affects our lives. This book truly tackles a wide viewpoint, along with personal accounts to show how we conform as a society so easily. An excerpt from the book explains, “At the same time that technology and globalization has pushed the world together, it is driving our minds apart.”
The introduction was effective in communicating what the author wants to portray in this text. He mentions that we are divided; not only as a nation, but also as an entire world. We have our own truths and own realities. Involving news, we tend to watch what we want, which means whatever we believe and want to hear is what were going to get. Therefore, he uses the analogy that one can be “so far out you’re floating in an asteroid belt, among people who feel exactly the same way.” He continued to stress his point with the story of Eliza Jane Scovill, a 3-year-old who died from a tragic story. This young girl had a mother who was diagnosed with HIV back in the 90’s and became advocate for a cause that says HIV does not turn into AIDS. People with this ideology believe that medicines used to prevent a fetus from contracting HIV from their mothers are wrong. They do not believe in them. As Eliza became sick her mother brought her to three different doctors. Each mentioned it was a minor flu or ear infection. One doctor event prescribed a simple antibiotic. They were all wrong and unfortunately Eliza passed away. An autopsy showed that she had symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
In chapter one, Farhad used a familiar accident to show that perception is reality. He described the 2004 elections and how the “Swift Boat Veterans” personally ruined John Kerry’s run for presidency. This group of men was so bothered by Kerry’s actions back during the Vietnam War that they stood up against such a man that would sell out his fellow army men and country. What he did was testify to Congress about how American troops treated harmless and innocent citizens heinously in Vietnam. The point Farhad wanted to make is the Swift Boat Veterans had three decisions. Focus on attacking what he did in Vietnam (which was create heinous crimes himself) even though they did not have evidence he ever did anything; attack his actions after the war, which were true; or attack both. They decided to attack both. Farhad says by doing this the veterans successfully painted an image of John Kerry, whether true or not, that was negative thus pushing Bush ahead.