Gypsyhick

Probably the worst kept secret out there: Mass Media serves special interests.

If you are like me, you already suspect as much so why would you want to read a book stating the obvious? Empowered observation, that's why.

Manufacturing Consent establishes a 'propaganda model' and applies it to events that have been label by critics as examples of media overstepping its bounds challenging authority. Considering the book was written in '87, the resonating events included are Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) and Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.) Why pick these events? According to the authors, these events would pose the most severe challenge to their model. Not to rest on their laurels, the authors use an exhaustive list of sources which equates to about 100 pages of appendices and end notes.

A bonus of the book is the included history lesson. I really didn't know too much about the US affairs in Central America during the '80's. Maybe that is the whole point? In any case, the history is truly fascinating.

I do recommend this book.

Ignorance is not bliss, especially if the democratic process is supposed to function in any meaningful way.