Propaganda & Power
“The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. …We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society. In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons…who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.” –Edward Bernays, Propaganda, 1928
I've always had a somewhat hysterical response to American cultural imperialism. There's something pornographic about it that makes me feel dirty. I've been personally boycotting American media for years. Have not consumed any Hollywood for the longest time, but now I can't even escape it on my ABC!!! Fkn Fran is, as we speak, spruiking the Oscars! Grrrrr
The only Americans I pay attention to are outsiders - those with the guts to criticise their culture, like this guy. Well worth the read.
It feeds my suspicion that the Nazis didn't lose the war - they just moved to America.
Well, that certainly explains why you and I get along so poorly.
ReplyDeleteI kid. I kid the Aussies. Seriously, though...
Before WWII there was a very strong and very vocal American Nazi Party. It still exists - not as strong, not as vocal, but still there.
Despite their quasi counterculture upbringing, my numerous offspring have subjected themselves to massive doses of American cultural imperialism. They are horrified at me, who will sit and read or paint, or write without American sitcoms as a backdrop. The odd raucous cockatoo maybe;).
ReplyDeleteCount me in at your barricades. I have been called a witch so many times, I promise to even bring my broomstick!!