Want To Know Why We’re So Messed Up?
Posted by Phoenix Woman on December 29, 2010
This transcript of a talk by John Pilger is a good place to start.
You really should read the whole thing, but here’s a taste:
One of my favorite stories about the Cold War concerns a group of Russian journalists who were touring the United States. On the final day of their visit, they were asked by the host for their impressions. “I have to tell you,” said the spokesman, “that we were astonished to find after reading all the newspapers and watching TV day after day that all the opinions on all the vital issues are the same. To get that result in our country we send journalists to the gulag. We even tear out their fingernails. Here you don’t have to do any of that. What is the secret?”
Pilger then goes on to explain the secret. (Hint: Edward Bernays plays a leading role.)
2 Responses to “Want To Know Why We’re So Messed Up?”
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Charles II said
There’s a simple solution. Every citizen of a country should listen to the media of another country. Since all their interests are subtly different, one can gradually unravel the truth behind the lies that all big media tell. That’s especially true if one includes some local media, non-profits, etc. in the mix.
In a small way, that’s what blogs can do. Now, all we need is a citizenry that doesn’t want to be lied to… which is what I would call the fundamental problem.
Phoenix Woman said
Yup. All ruling factions lie, but the US’ secret is the mastery of public relations — and that’s where Bernays comes in.