American Newspeak, propaganda, and prolefeed

Little Bit, a visiting friend and I watched the DVD, I Am Legend the other night and discussed it afterward. I found it somewhat entertaining but had some questions about the end. I won’t spoil it but what I will say is that my friend and daughter argued with me over a particular scene- they said one thing happened and I maintained that they didn’t see what they thought they had. I even skipped back to the scene in question and proved my point correct.

My friend was disturbed to think that he, a grown man and educator, had been totally tricked by imagery to “see” and swear to what didn’t exist. I pointed out that he probably “sees” things that don’t exist everyday on the local news. I told Little Bit that she should pay closer attention to what she sees and hears even when it’s sold as entertainment. I explained that sometimes what you’re not shown in an emotional moment is as important as what you’re told. I’ve been said to have a closet full of tin foil hats- I even revel in the accusation- and I thought that my kiddo would have picked up a little of my distrust in the crap spoon-fed to us as news. Alas, she hasn’t. (In fact, I’ve learned that I’ve failed to successfully teach her a few important things but we’ll save that for the post about her new wheels.)

Digging around on the net today, I found this video on some of the same sort of stuff and thought it apropos. It’s a bit long so settle in with some popcorn after your rug-rats are tucked in. I think you’ll find it sickening just how well entertainment imagery has worked in real life rushes to war. Sadly, none of us are immune to the jumping to conclusions impulse but perhaps we can do a little better at really paying attention.

~ by Miche on March 31, 2008.