In advance of Students for Justice in Palestine’s National Student Conference held at George Mason University on November 3rd, the students of CAMERA-supported group GMU Israel Student Association tabled with the theme “Pop The Misconception.”
On display were attention-grabbing and misleading media stories covered by CAMERA researchers. The students used bubble wrap and candy at the table to entice the passersby to engage with various signs on the table. GMU Israel Student Association drew their peers to their table by asking them if they could identify the media bias in the various headlines presented.
Once a student had properly identified the media bias in the examples provided, he or she was offered to pop the bubble wrap, as they had successfully identified the misconception they had had about the media or Israel. Following the connection GMU ISA made with each passerby, they had the students provide their email addresses, who were then offered candy. This enabled GMU ISA to keep in touch with participants who might be interested in the group’s future events.
GMU Israel Student Association succeeded in their goal of engaging with students in their student union to learn a bit about media bias in a non-confrontational way. The event was enjoyed by participants and organizers alike, and will more than likely be a hit on more campuses in the future.
