Necessary Illusions: Thought Control In Democratic Societies

Necessary Illusion explodes the myth of an independent media, intent on uncovering the truth at any cost. Noam Chomsky demonstrates that, in practice, the media in the developed world serve the interests of state and corporate power-despite protestations to the contrary. While individual journalists strive to abide by high standards of professionalism and integrity in their work, their paymasters the media corporations-ultimately decide what we view, her and read. Rigorously documented, Necessary Illusion continues Chomksy's celebrated tradition of profoundly insightful indictments of US foreign and domestic institutions and tears away the veneer of propaganda that portrays the media as the servant of free speech and democracy.
About Author :
Noam Chomsky is Institute Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His recent books include The new Military Humanism, World Order, old and New, Class Warfare, Powers and Prospects and Fateful Triangle.
Contents :
Preface Democracy and the Media Containign the Enemy The Bounds of the Expressible Adjuncts of Government The Utility of Interpretations Appendix I The Propaganda Model: Some Methodological Considerations On Critical Balance Appendix II The Containment Doctrine The Red Scare Appendix III The Sanctity of Borders Appendix IV The Craft of "Historical Engineering" The Obligation of Silence The Summits The Media and International Opinion Demolishing the Accords Appendix V The U.S. and Costa Rican Democracy The Evil Scourge of Terrorism Heroes and Devils The "Peace Proces" in the Middle East The Best Defense La Prensa and Its Colleagues "The Courage to Preserve Civil Liberties" The Continuing Struggle Notes Index