Not long ago I urged MillersTime readers to spend some time reading The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, a one person theatrical presentation by Mike Daisey which detailed the working conditions in Chinese factories where Apple products were made.
This play, it now turns out, apparently has numerous fabrications, according to This American Life, the NPR radio program which aired a 39 minute excerpt of the Mike Daisey story.
Much of the criticism leveled at Apple has been spurred on by The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs‘ play that has been performed throughout the country since 2010.
Check out the developing story HERE.
Update: 3/17 — This American Life issued a retraction last night of their earlier story and presentation of Mike Daisey’s story. If you Click Here, you can see a full transcript and/or also listen to their four part discussion of what has occurred.
And two others from The Atlantic Monthly. :
The Tragedy Behind Mike Daisey’s Lies
James Fallows: The Sad and Infuriating Mike Daisey Case.
Bob Thurston said:
I heard the last part of the This American Life feature on this. It was pretty compelling listening, even the silences, which don’t usually work on radio. These were the silences where Mike D was trying to bring himself to respond to Ira Glass’s tough direct questions. I was impressed with how Ira wasn’t buying the distinction between theater and news. I agree with Rick’s “takeaways” and I look forward to reading the Atlantic pieces.
EllnMllr said:
Another interesting piece about the broader implications here from Jeff Jarvis At Buzz Machine. http://www.buzzmachine.com/2012/03/17/lies/
Richard Miller said:
My ‘takeaways’:
1. Daisey had a good story without having to exaggerate, and the result of his fabrications hurts the core of what he was exposing and portraying. I hope Apple does not hide behind Daisey’s mistakes. They have issues that must be addressed.
2. “This American Life,” led by Ira Glass, after failing to thoroughly fact check and pull the story, acted honorably and completely in their attempt to right a wrong.
3. We all need to be careful about jumping on a ‘bandwagon,’ especially when the ‘wagon’ is promoting a belief we already have.
EllnMllr said:
And another thoughtful piece from Jay Rosen of NYU. http://jayrosen.tumblr.com/post/19457888533/master-manipulator-with-nerves-of-steel-i-cannot