In Joyce Vance’s new book, “Giving Up Is Unforgivable,” her information on Finland’s media literacy projects really reached out and grabbed my attention (see page 144 plus end notes). By empowering citizens with the tools to decide what information is credible, Finland demonstrated how their society builds resilience against misinformation campaigns. (Remember that their next-door neighbor is Russia.)
The Finns started by training their kids, teaching skills in discerning mis- and dis-information in reports, news, etc. They centered on proactive education, fact-checking skills, integrating critical thinking and putting focus on determining information accuracy in every subject from an early age until it became automatic. Then they expanded into adult education.
Of 41 European countries in a survey evaluating resiliency in these skills, Finland ranked at the top for six years in a row. Additional countries were added in 2023; Nordic countries still took the top four spots, followed by Estonia, Ireland and Canada. Sadly, the U.S. came in at 17th.
Joyce named the chapter from which I quote “We are the Cavalry”; this reminds us that no one else is coming to rescue our democracy, We are the ones. Doing something like this would be extremely useful and very concrete – just because something sounds like a good thing doesn’t mean it’s true. Consider getting a small group together to pursue this (your book club?) or studying on your own, and do put a bug in the ear of your school board representatives.
Marilyn McCord
Vallecito
