Philosophize This! Episode #148 ... On Media pt. 1 - Manufacturing Consent
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Dec 14, 2020 Dive into the intriguing mechanisms of media's influence on belief systems. Explore how elites manipulate information within democracies, creating an illusion of freedom. Discover the evolution of propaganda techniques from historical events to modern times, shaping public perception. With narratives often driven by fear, the podcast unpacks the media's role in framing societal norms and controlling collective understanding. It's a thought-provoking discussion on how media can manufacture consent and affect the way we view reality.
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Media Control in Democracies
- Controlling media can be appealing even in democracies, as some believe it's necessary for guiding the "bewildered herd".
- This view sees the masses as impulsive and needing direction from responsible elites.
Lippmann's Societal Structure
- Walter Lippmann described a societal structure with three classes: the powerful, specialized class (officials), and the "bewildered herd".
- The powerful control officials by setting the rules of the game, influencing their actions.
The Toddler Analogy
- Chomsky uses the analogy of a parent controlling a toddler to explain this view.
- Just as a parent limits a child's freedom for safety, elites see it as responsible to guide the masses.
