Jayne Blog on volunteerism/volunteering, nonprofits, ngos, aid & development, women's empowerment, communications & random thoughts

Rumors derailing government initiatives -- it's not just in the developing world!

15:50, 22 August 2009

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How rumors and myth can derail government initiatives, interfere with community development initiatives and even become a danger to some people, particularly in developing countries and post-conflict situations, is something I've been interested in for many years. I maintain a web site of examples of such, as well as suggestions on how to counter rumors and myths that threaten public initiatives.

So you can imagine my horrified fascination to see the most outlandish myths imaginable being promoted as fact by various individuals and factions regarding the efforts to reform health care coverage in the USA. These myths have taken hold in the USA among people that I truly thought would never fall for such. And, yet, knowing what I know about how much Americans love conspiracy theories, no matter how outlandish, I guess I shouldn't really be surprised.

It's worth noting that, alongside traditional communications and organizing efforts, both traditional and so-called Web 2.0 Internet tools have played a huge role in disseminating myths about health care reform in the USA -- something that bloggers who continually crow about the benefits of social media have mostly avoided discussing. Rapid-fire communications can, indeed, be used for good, but this is yet another example of something I've been trying to say for a while now: they can also be used for not-so-good:

• urban legends aren't just annoying - they promote hatred
• Swine flu & Twitter's power to misinform
• Rumors still affecting polio eradication campaigns

Roger Ebert (yes, the film critic) does an admirable job of debunking many health care myths being perpetuated. His language is simple and fact-based, and he speaks from the heart. A good style for others to follow. Media Matters does a good job as well of debunking the myths. But just these two voices are not enough to counter the onslaught of misinformation.

Without an education campaign that permeates not only the airwaves but also various communications avenues, from the Internet to civic organization and community-of-faith meetings, backed up by an energized grassroots movement, health care reform -- and common sense -- in the USA is doomed once again.

Also see: How to Handle Online Criticism. How a nonprofit or government organization handles online criticism is going to speak volumes about that agency, for weeks, months, and maybe even years to come. There's no way to avoid criticism, but there are ways to address criticism that can actually help an organization to be perceived as even more trustworthy and worth supporting -- and the Internet can help.