One of the extremely rare critiques of mainstream media is presented by Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman in their work 'Manufacturing Consent'. This has been a ground-breaking, definitive, and objective model against mainstream media institutions. It is a book that is widely acclaimed and read throughout the world.

'Manufacturing Consent' offers an insightful critique of history, politics, and media. However, the most unique style crafted by Noam and Herman, which is worthy of mention, is the utilization of the 'propaganda model'. This is a systematic analysis of the functioning of mainstream media. The model delineates five filters that rationalize the editorial bias. Firstly, international business owns the media outlets for their self-serving interests. Secondly, advertising serves as a potent source of revenue for operations and a lucrative profit stream. Thirdly, the sourcing of news, where the grant funding institutions have a regular path to news creation, unlike the others. Fourthly, the cautious approach of the media to publish only that informative material of their agents that cannot be severely criticized (a term known as 'flak') and that does not pose a threat to their business performances. Lastly, the fifth filter is the hostility towards Communism or Socialism. The idea that America and its allies are intellectually and morally pure, and Communism is a deplorable ideology. In recent years, this has been replaced by the 'war on terror', as discussed by Chomsky.

The fourth estate is widely regarded as indispensable for a thriving liberal democracy. However, what if it turns out to be a more refined instrument of elite-driven propaganda rather than a force for truth and justice as in authoritarian states? This is precisely the contention put forward by Herman and Chomsky in their book. They present a propaganda model that elucidates how the political economy of the mass media in the US gives rise to "worthy" and "unworthy" victims, legitimizes certain stories while ignoring comparable alternatives, and disseminates "free market" misinformation under the guise of news. Their model is then exemplified through several case studies, encompassing the Vietnam War, US imperialism in Central America, and other anti-communist episodes.

The propaganda model consists of five key elements. Firstly, the fundamental purpose of mass media organizations is to generate profits for their owners. Secondly, mass media cannot survive commercially without advertiser revenue. Thirdly, mass media gives preference to large organizations, such as the government, for providing routine news. Fourthly, the mass media will face criticism if they publish news that challenges these stakeholders. And fifthly, anti-communism - an ambiguous term used to mobilize the masses against policies that threaten elite interests. (A post-Cold War edition noted that terrorism has replaced anti-communism, which may have since transformed into anti-China).

Herman and Chomsky's argument is highly compelling. So, what is the alternative? The authors offer a basic answer - grassroots journalism funded by the masses. The book could have been enhanced with more detailed exploration of how this might be made feasible. It is often claimed that the internet has disrupted the mass media economy. This is not entirely true; the propaganda model still holds sway. Most news is still produced by traditional media, while internet personalities comment on this news and post their content on major social media platforms (including alternative technologies). To maintain some degree of agency, I would suggest reading from multiple news sources and applying a critical perspective.

I mean it's all pretty spot on.

I think for most people in the target audience, if you sit down and watch American news (especially cable news), the level of bias and propaganda is immediately obvious. But this book does a remarkable job of delving into the how and why.

Admittedly, I skipped around a lot because my book was due back at the library, and I think this book has an abundance of content on this topic compared to what I was personally interested in.

It's definitely quite dense. Having already read and enjoyed Chomsky's Who Rules the World, this book is far more dry and meandering.

One thing I can say about Chomsky is that he is truly excellent at providing a wealth of examples to support his arguments. In Who Rules the World, he listed and analyzed numerous instances in which the US Empire created the conditions the world is in today, often working against global efforts toward true democracy.

Here, he (and Herman) list off many examples of media propaganda and manipulation of the truth.

Reading these books in 2023, the (probably unintended) effect is that I'm actually learning a great deal about the history of media propaganda and gaining knowledge of events from decades ago that the public seems to have forgotten completely.

This actually means that we readers are now armed not only with the knowledge of events we've witnessed in our lifetimes but also those from years past that Chomsky and Herman are referencing.

That does make it extremely dense, but if you were a student writing a paper about media bias or a related topic, this book would be the ideal place to start. As pleasure reading, perhaps not so much.

Content Warning: some graphic descriptions of state violence and war.

I can't help but think about this book again.

It is truly astonishing when a country freely admits that it will cut off the food, water, and fuel of over 2 million stateless people.

At the same time, it bombards them with missiles, artillery, and airstrikes.

What makes it even more tragic is that fully half of these people are children.

And yet, the governments and media mouthpieces of the world, if not actively cheering this country on, are saying and doing nothing to stop them.

This blatant disregard for human life and basic rights is a stain on the conscience of the international community.

We must ask ourselves what kind of world we want to live in and take a stand against such atrocities.

Silence in the face of such horror is complicity, and it is our moral obligation to speak out and demand justice for these innocent people.

I passed up a golden opportunity to purchase this particular book approximately twenty years ago. Ever since then, I have been fruitlessly scouring for a copy. It truly is a great pity. Chomsky delves into the reality that the so-called "free" press is far from being free. Instead, they are hell-bent on fabricating news with the intention of manufacturing consent among the general public to further their corporate-driven agenda. He vividly describes how this has been happening, starting from the Vietnam War all the way to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What makes this even more relevant is that I am currently physically witnessing such a blatant exercise. A corporate bookselling giant has taken over an independent website that was initially dedicated to book reviews. In a very short span of time, they have transformed it from a cherished meeting point for book lovers to independently criticize and discuss books into a mere marketing portal that hosts sycophantic reviews of any mediocre publication they choose to promote.

The corporate behemoths, for whom everything is either a raw material to be ruthlessly exploited or a product to be mindlessly consumed, are determined to pollute every aspect, including the realm of the intellect. We desperately need individuals like Chomsky to shine a light on these perils. Otherwise, we risk becoming a generation of mindless zombies.

Herman and Chomsky present a definition of a propaganda model.

They then demonstrate, through a diverse range of case studies, the various ways in which the media adheres to this model.

The comprehensiveness of their examples and the lucidity of their reasoning result in a persuasive argument.

If you are reading this book, it is likely not because these concepts are entirely novel to you. However, the examples it provides are enlightening regardless.

Their work offers valuable insights into the role of the media in shaping public perception and the ways in which propaganda operates within it.

By examining real-world cases, they are able to illustrate the practical applications of their model and show how it functions in different contexts.

Overall, their research provides a thought-provoking analysis of the media and its influence on society.

An extremely detailed analysis of multiple foreign policy events in the 1980's is presented. It delves deep into what they refer to as a propaganda model in the US media. This model effectively manufactures consent for US intervention in other nations. It colors, censors, and alters the information and the way it is framed for the US public. It's truly an eye-opening read for those who have never closely analyzed US media or were skeptical about the way it presents information. By examining these events and the media's role, we can gain a better understanding of how public perception is shaped and how the US government's actions are justified. This analysis serves as a reminder to always question the information we receive and to look beyond the surface to uncover the truth.

I wasn't prepared for this huge book. The central point is really important, showing how the media serves to convey the concept that the state wants to present. Portraying a war in a partial way, not mentioning one side in a debate, having double standards, etc. What I didn't expect was that they would detail each example cited so deeply - Vietnam, the change of government in Nicaragua and Guatemala, the invasion of Cambodia, etc.

I am more accustomed to more recent and dynamic books that usually spend more time explaining concepts than describing all the details. It's a good lesson, more details and history than necessary.

However, this in-depth exploration also has its advantages. It allows readers to have a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the complex issues and historical events related to the media and the state. By examining these specific examples, we can better analyze and evaluate the role and influence of the media in different situations.

Although it may be a bit overwhelming at first, as I continue to read and study, I am beginning to appreciate the value and significance of this book. It challenges my thinking and broadens my perspective, making me more aware of the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in today's information age.

Gnome Chomsky is a rather unique and interesting figure.

He is not your typical gnome. With his bright eyes and a mischievous smile, he seems to have a world of his own.

Gnome Chomsky loves to explore the forest and discover new things. He has a special affinity for plants and animals, and he often spends hours observing their behaviors.

One day, while on his adventure, Gnome Chomsky came across a strange flower. It had colors he had never seen before and a fragrance that was both sweet and mysterious.

Intrigued, he decided to study this flower closely. He took out his magnifying glass and examined every petal and stamen.

As he was doing so, he noticed that the flower seemed to be communicating with him in a strange way.

Gnome Chomsky was amazed. He had never expected such a thing to happen.

From that day on, he became even more fascinated with the natural world and the secrets it held.

And so, Gnome Chomsky continued his adventures, always eager to learn and discover more.

This book offers a unique perspective as it looks back at US history. Firstly, it does so through the eyes of mass media, presenting a view that is often influenced by various factors.

Then, it further delves into the subject by examining witnessed accounts and court proceedings. The differences between these two approaches are truly astounding.

It becomes evident that the portrayal of historical events by the mass media can sometimes deviate significantly from the more objective and detailed accounts obtained through witnesses and legal processes.

If you are someone who follows any of the big media companies and is interested in a more comprehensive understanding of US history, then this book is a must-read. It challenges the conventional wisdom and forces you to question the information you receive from the media.

By exploring different sources and perspectives, it allows you to form a more accurate and nuanced view of the past.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of US history through this thought-provoking book.

Over the years, I have truly grasped how public opinion is completely divided when it comes to Noam Chomsky.

On one hand, he is highly revered for his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power. His words have the power to inspire and enlighten those who seek a more just and equitable world.

On the other hand, he is reviled for his staunch anti-American, anti-imperialistic stance. Some view his ideas as radical and threatening to the status quo.

I, for one, find myself in agreement with a majority of his arguments. Recently, I rectified my oversight of not having read his most famous work in partnership with Edward S. Herman, "Manufacturing Consent."

The fact that the media is complicit in pushing the government's mandate is not exactly news to those who have been observant of politics in the past few decades. However, this book solidifies this fact with clear instances of mass media bias and their role in shaping support for the powers that be.

Published in the late 80s, the focus of the book remains on the decades that preceded it, with examples revolving around the Central American and Indo China conflicts.

But one cannot simply brush aside the mass media propaganda model as a thing of the past. It is all too easy to see how that model continues to function in the 21st century.

The effectiveness of the model lies in the fact that a significant portion of the narrative pushed by the mass media to validate and strengthen the position of the American government has been accepted as the truth by a majority of the world's population, even to this day.

It is only the minority who choose to look behind the curtains that are aware of the one-sided nature of the narrative.

As informative and enlightening as this book is, it also prompts the reader to explore how the propaganda model adapts in the information age, where the internet is almost ubiquitous.

While access to information can be a source of empowerment in combating the propaganda being fed, it can also make the job of those purveyors of propaganda and false information much easier.

I would love to see a "Manufacturing Consent" part II that delves into these ideas. In the meantime, I firmly believe that it is mandatory for everyone to read this book to understand the way in which ideas and opinions can be shaped by those in power through the weapon that is the mass media.

One thing about me is that I am furious.

I find myself getting extremely angry at times, and it can be quite overwhelming.

Whether it's due to a frustrating situation, someone's actions, or just a build-up of stress, my fury can boil over.

When I'm furious, my heart races, my face flushes, and I have a hard time controlling my emotions.

I might shout, stomp my feet, or even throw things.

It's not a pleasant state to be in, and I know it can have a negative impact on those around me.

However, I'm trying to work on managing my anger better.

I'm learning to take deep breaths, count to ten, and think before I act.

I'm also trying to identify the triggers that set off my fury and find healthier ways to deal with them.

Hopefully, with time and practice, I can become less furious and more in control of my emotions.