The internet is an incredible thing. It’s the greatest collection of information ever created, and it’s fully accessible from anywhere, anytime. In many ways, it’s become our primary source of information — everything from recipes to how-to videos to World War II maps. It’s the answer to every trivia question ever asked.
It took me 13 seconds to search and find out that it was season 5, episode 3 of The Office in which Michael took Holly to Cooper’s Seafood for a “business-romantic” lunch. That was the show’s 75th episode overall, titled “Business Ethics.” It originally aired on Oct. 9, 2008, to 8.99 million viewers. It was written by Ryan Koth and directed by Jeffrey Blitz. At the restaurant, Michael orders a bowl of chowder and the lobster feast for two. Holly orders a salad. While the exterior of Cooper’s — a real restaurant in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the show is set — is shown in the episode, the inside scenes were filmed in Los Angeles.
While the internet can answer most any question that comes up, it also provides a vast collection of misinformation, conspiracy theories and subversive opinions.
The fluoride debate — whether it should be in our drinking water – is a great example of an issue where you can find endless information to support basically anything you want to believe.
Fluoride is a toxic waste product? Sure. The difference in tooth decay levels among those with fluoridated water versus without? Dramatic. Fluoride in public water is an affront to our liberty? Stand up. Fluoride exists naturally in water? Indeed.
In the “Fluoride” episode of Parks and Recreation (season 6, episode 8), the always-second-rate community of Pawnee has an opportunity to merge its water supply with the higher-class — and constantly feuding — neighboring community of Eagleton. Pawnee’s water has never been fluoridated, which creates issues. The always-do-gooding councilwoman Leslie Knope pushes for the merger and fluoridation, while councilman Jamm, forever her nemesis, protests because it will mean less business for his dental practice. Local residents voice a variety of facts and misinformation.
The episode paints the anti-fluoride crowd mostly as fools compared to the righteous side of the debate. The reality is more nuanced, but facts should speak for themselves. The truth should be easy to find, whether or not you want to believe it.
Regardless of where people stand on this issue or any other, they all made their way to that point through the information they gleaned, much of it likely online.
Your job isn’t to sell any viewpoint, it’s to serve your communities. A growing part of that is the education and outreach you provide so that the people in your communities, those who live next to you, who play an equal role in democratic decision-making, and even those with soft teeth like Michael Scott (referenced in S. 4, E. 13; S. 5, E. 11; and S. 5, E. 25) can form their views based not only on accurate information, but the ready availability of that information.
We’re all better off when people understand and buy into the work you’re doing to serve your communities. Let them know about it.
Enjoy this month’s issue.
