Manufacturing Consent:
Thought Control In A Democratic Society, and Necessary Illusions
(Two VHS videotapes totaling 3-1/2 hours)
One of the most profoundly intellectual films ever produced, Mark Achbar and Peter Wintonick’s 2-part documentary explores the political life and ideas of author, linguist, and radical philosopher Noam Chomsky. The New York Times, the flagship of official U.S. media, has labeled Chomsky, “Arguably the single most important intellectual of our time” which is amazing given his outspoken indictment of the media, the elite, and significant aspects of the American system. This is a “must see” for anyone interested in freedom of thought, and a “must own” for every intellectual’s library.
Chomsky, an M.I.T. Professor, revolutionized the study of linguistics during the 1960’s demonstrating a common structure underlying all known human languages despite their apparent differences. The implications he derived were: (1) human brains are uniquely and specifically wired for language; (2) our patterns of thought and communication are all built upon the same biological structures regardless of superficial differences between cultures and ethnic groups (i.e. we more or less all think in the same way); and (3) policy makers have learned clever forms of communication which effectively manipulate the masses in order to serve the interests of the elite. Chomsky’s analysis of the media focuses on democratic societies where populations not controlled by force are subjected to more subtle (yet more effective) forms of ideological indoctrination. Chomsky gives scientific credence, and an abundance of real world examples, to Orwell’s “1984” notions of thought control in the modern world. Previously assumed to be literary fiction, we now have a proponderance of evidence demonstrating the Orwell (and other early writers on the topic) were actually prescient.
Edited in a clever and powerful fashion, this film avoids the kind of sleep-producing “talking heads” production one might expect for such weighty and intellectual topics. It is packed full of facts and examples which make its stunning statements and analysis easy to follow. Even still, all but the hardiest thinkers will probably want to watch it in 2 separate sittings since the facts, analysis, interstitial metaphors, and dramatic conclusions come at a rapid pace.
This film is also an excellent choice discussion within salon groups. By pausing the video at convenient intervals, members can explore implications of the presented information and explore current social phenomena related to the thesis. Parents: If you want your children to possess an indoctrination defense kit which just might help them to keep a free mind and avoid indentured servitude make this video the centerpiece of a family video night discussion.
Also recommended for the avid reader are Chomsky’s in-depth books related to the topics explored in the film: “Manufacturing Consent” and “Necessary Illusions”.
To learn more about Noam Chomsky’s scholarly studies go to his M.I.T. web site
To learn more about Noam Chomsky’s social analysis, commentary and political writings visit:
Z Magazine’s Chomsky archive.
Mail to Professor Chomsky should be addressed:
MIT E39-219, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA