Using the eight elements of reasoning that were outlined in week two (Purpose,
problem, information, concepts, assumptions, inferences, points of
view, implications or consequences) choose a news article and break it
down according to those elements. You will also describe how each of the
eight intellectual standards (clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance,
depth, breadth, logic, and fairness) were used or not used in the
article, supported by an example. The conclusion of your paper will then
need to describe how you feel the article is biased. Please be sure to
include the URL for the article that you have chosen.
The Eight Elements of Reasoning
Purpose: The purpose of Smale (2014) is to inform readers that one of the leaders in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel, has denounced the currently swelling anti-immigrant protests in Germany.
Problem: The problem is the rise in the number of foreigners in Germany for the past few weeks (Smale, 2014). There have been both vocal and visible far-right demonstrations against immigrants in Germany.
Assumptions: Smale (2014) assumes that apart from the conflict in Syria, the cause of the surge in the number immigrants into Germany is the country’s relative prosperity as well as its low rate of unemployment. An impending labor shortage in Germany attracts immigrants who come into the country not only to seek sanctuary, but also to work.
Point of View: The point of view of Smale (2014) is that Germany offers asylum to refugees than any other nation. Hence, an increase in the number of refugees strains the tolerance of Germany to them. It also impedes the ability of the German government to find housing for the refugees.
Information: Smale (2014) explains that more than 150,000 refugees have been seeking asylum in Germany, especially those that are fleeing the Syrian conflict. This high number of refugees is, thus, the main cause of protests against immigration in Germany.
Concepts: Smale (2014) recognizes the concept of the 1989 anti-Communist protests in East Germany as the key inciter for the current protests against refugees and immigration in Germany. The aforementioned demonstration was peaceful and ensued in the evening of every Monday, and led to the fall of communism.
Inferences: Smale (2014) infers that Ms. Merkel’s warning against protests is not seemingly effective in deterring the protests against immigrants. Last week when the protestors were only 10, 000, Merkel had warned the protestors to avoid serving the interest of malicious people who organize such demos. However, the number of protesters has swelled to 15, 000 this week.
Implications and/or Consequences: As Smale (2014) asserts, the continued number of protesters has resulted into a situation in which pro-immigration organizations and individuals to respond through a counterdemonstration. Moreover, leaders of the Alternative Party have been clashing over the question of whether to support or not support the Dresden demonstrators.
The Eight Intellectual Standards
Clarity: Smale (2014) relies on clarity to support the idea Merkel has actually criticized protests against immigration. For instance, Smale (2014) reports exactly what Ms. Merkel said, “…there is no place here for incitement and lies about people who come to us from other countries.”
Accuracy: Smale (2014) is inaccurate in stating the accurate number of refugees who have been seeking Asylum in Germany for the past eleven months of the year. For example, Smale (2014) estimates that the number is 150,000 while it could be even lower than that.
Precision: In explaining the role of the media in the protests, Smale (2014) states that each of the three famous television hosts in Germany last week “devoted a whole show to the protest in Dresden…” However, it is not clear if the shows were in favor of or against the protests.
Relevance: Smale (2014) observes relevance in all instances in the article. For instance, it is relevant for the article to assert that owing to a looming shortage of labor in Germany, it “is increasingly attracting immigrants to work here.”
Depth: Smale (2014) considers several views that are in support of the criticism of the immigrant protesters. For instance, it talks of a pro-foreigner rally that 15,000 people attended in Cologne, and Dresden’s counterdemonstrations by 9,000 people. Hence, the article reports the case in depth.
Breadth: Smale (2014) does not apply breadth in reporting the case. For example, the article emphasis more on the ideas of Merkel and her supporters than the ideas of the opposition parties like the Left Party and the Greens.
Logic: Smale (2014) uses mutually supporting and sensible sentences in reporting the case. For instance, the article reports that the protests have raised concerns if Germany is vulnerable to populism. It then goes ahead to explain that the Alternative for Germany party, which is a new party, strikes a populist tone and already has three legislative seats.
Fairness: Smile (2014) applies fairness. The article reports views from both opponents and supporters of refugee policy and immigration. For instance, it reports about both demonstrations against and counterdemonstrations for refugee policy and immigration in Germany.
In conclusion, it is apparent that the article is unbiased in reporting the immigration situation in Germany. The article reports on how Chancellor Angela Merkel and other Social Democrats have denounced anti-immigrant protests. Additionally, it goes ahead to report indiscriminately that opposition parties like the Left Party and the Greens, have indicted Merkel and other Social Democrats of their tentative criticism of the demonstrations.
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