Requiem for the American Dream- Noam Chomsky

What is in it for me and my thesis/project proposal

One of the storylines in my upcoming graduation film is based on some of the theory of Chomsky. Of this book the Principle 9. Manufacture Consent is the most interesting until know. (I'll make some bullet points of this tomorrow)

Summary

Requiem for the American Dream by Noam Chomsky is a book and a documentary. The film is made by directors Peter D. Hutchison, Kelly Nyks, Jared P. Scott. My notes are based on both the book and the film. The theory is similar, but the book has more details. Trailer:

Chomsky is old enough to remember the depression of the 30s, a lot of unemployed family from the working class. But there was one thing, there was hope. This is the biggest difference with our situation now, Chomsky doesn't have any hope. Back then people were willing to work together, now people are focussed on themselves and the equal differences between people is too big, it's worse than ever in history. But it. It is remarkable that the biggest difference is a fraction of 1% who is extremely wealthy and the 0,01 are even richer than rich. As the last thirty years, the middle class of society hardly had any extra income. This inequality has a massive impact on democracy.

The base of democracy is that the public opinion is from great influence on the power, something this elite is not happy with. Normal citizens could take their power from them.

Chomsky takes us through the history and the downfall of The American Dream. He explains to us how the concentration between health and power works in a structure of 10 principles. It is a vicious circle we can't get out.Especially that the cost of elections are so high that it's hard to fight the running elite without relying on big companies. This influence makes that all of the decisions are beneficial for the rich and wealthy.

Principle 1. Reduce Democracy

There has always been a clash between the Elite on top who wants to control the majority and the people under them. This goes back to James Madison, one of the most developers of the constitution. His opinion was that the power should be in the hands of the rich as they were more responsible The problem of democracy is that if the majority could go against the elite and take their wealth. Therefore they must create something to avoid this situation. Madison's solution was less democracy.

This goes against what Aristoteles, who agreed with the dilemma, wrote in his bookPolitica. His solution was to reduce inequality by helping the poor.

Principle 9. Manufacture Consent

In the Essay Moral, Political, Literary by David Haume (1741) he wrote about the foundation of the government.He believed the power within any society lies in the hands of ones being ruled.The only way to keep them powerless is to create the feeling that they are powerless. The public relation industry has developed strongest in Britain and the USA, big societies who during the 60's became much more powerful and free than before, think the right of voting for black people, woman, having labor parties etc. You could not control them anymore by force, you have to control them by beliefs and attitudes, you have to fabricate consumers. Affordable fashion, cars, luxury items will keep them out of our hair. Both Walter Benjamin as Edward Bernays agreed that the public must be put in their place so that responsible men can make decisions without the interference of a bewildered herd. By creating consumers you will keep them stupid, they rather go shopping than reading.

At first, advertisers didn't put much effort into children, because they don't earn money. Although they discovered the psychology of whining, there are several different types all with their own marketing approach.

Another significantly developed technique is to let a person create debt. This was developed after they gave slaves freedom, if you seduce people to create debt by consuming, they have to stay and work for you.

Then, of course, there is the use of PR during elections. They want to create voters who aren't really familiar with the knowledge they need to know to judge and therefore make irrational decisions. This way it is easier to manipulate them, you should not mention too many details. As Obama talked about it lot of change, he did not promise anything.

Chomsky conclusion is that the only reason why this industry spends all that time and money on manipulating and distraction means that people are in the core rational human beings. Informative advertisements would result in rational decisions.

Chapter book: P145 chapter in docu is a @ 54.55min)

In this chaper there are interesing notes from sources:

• David Hume
• Propaganda - dward Bernays
• Eric Schlosser - Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal
• Articla OBAMA WINS! ... AD AGE'S MARKETER OF THE YEAR Matthew Creamer http://adage.com/article/moy-2008/obama-wins-ad-age-s-marketer-year/131810/