The media's limited coverage reflected an assumption that the public couldn't appreciate anything more substantive than images that pander to the base instincts of a one-dimensional nationalism.

Because of this strategy. America only cared about one of many, many aspects of the Olympics: its hockey team. If we had concerned ourselves with more, we'd now be watching the stuff on television.

The media, as an institution, has the ability to mold the population's value and thought processes. In the case of the Olympics, the media's minimization of all events but hockey has had a direct impact on the public's interpretation of the Games.

Out minds--at the risk of sounding melodramatic--were twisted, disfigured and nursed by this omnipresent institution.

Given the power of the media--it would be quite difficult never to turn on the TV--the networks should learn from this mistake of placing so much emphasis on only one highly visible subject. The Olympic coverage would be interpreted as a call for change.

But that change appears unlikely, because the media, in general, is shallow shortsighted in its interpretation of events. Instead of being the exception, the Olympic coverage America has received is the rule: one dimensionalism pervades everywhere throughout the world of mass media.

The current presidential campaign illustrates this phenomenon. When the East Coast editors read about Walter Mondale's huge lead in the polls over other democratic contenders, about whom do we read? Only Walter Mondale, despite the fact that the general election is still 10 months away. But Mondale provokes the greatest immediate sense of interest, so the media practically disallows consideration of other candidates ideas or legitimacy. Only if a Hart or an Askew performs well in New Hampshire, a starkly noticeable primary, will the print and broadcast media respond?

One should pay heed to the message which the Olympics forced upon us, because it smacks us right in the face. And like the media, it's easier for us to identify with a starting example of such a deficiency.

Because of the Olympics, we discovered a shortcoming in the media. Let's not forget it.