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What does N. Chomsky suggest is necessary for true democratic change?
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He emphasizes the need for comprehensive understanding and proactive efforts to challenge established power structures and propagate real democratic values.
What methods used in Vietnam were mirrored in US activities in El Salvador during the 1980s?
US-backed repression in El Salvador included methods resembling those used in Vietnam, such as supporting local governments in violent suppression to maintain control.
How are US actions in the Vietnam War typically portrayed in mainstream retrospectives?
Mainstream retrospectives often omit the aggressive actions and real motives, framing the war as a noble but mistakenly executed effort.
What similarities exist between the political strategies of the liberal West and Leninist principles?
Both employ an educated elite to shape policy irrespective of public understanding, maintaining ideological control over the masses.
What role does the Public Relations (PR) industry play in US politics?
The PR industry emerged to control public opinion and is seen as essential for maintaining power by major corporations and the state. It historically developed strategies to manipulate public consent, comparing favorably to practices in totalitarian states.
Describe the role of media in the US political system according to N. Chomsky.
The media sets the parameters for debate and perpetuates ideological control, ensuring that narratives align with state interests.
What factors contribute to the low voter turnout in the United States compared to other industrial democracies?
Low political participation in the US is significantly affected by socio-economic disparities, disenfranchisement of certain voter demographics, and a political system and media that reflect a rigid and uniform ideology.
What debate within US political circles reinforces basic principles of foreign policy?
Discussions between Hawks and Doves often remain within a restricted frame, reinforcing the basic principles of US foreign policy and excluding more radical alternatives from public consideration.
What are the long-term goals suggested for improving US foreign and domestic policies?
Critical evaluation and action are necessary to address underlying issues of class disparity and political representation, aiming to change both foreign and domestic policies.
How does contemporary US propaganda limit public debate?
It defines the spectrum of permissible discourse and restricts debate to terms acceptable to the state, thereby limiting alternatives from public consideration.
How does the disenfranchised voter demographic in the US compare to those in Europe?
Non-voters in the US often belong to groups that, in Europe, would support labor-based parties.
What is the disparity between public and educated opinions regarding the Vietnam War?
The general public tends to view the Vietnam War as immoral, whereas the educated class often aligns more closely with official narratives, showing a disparity in class consciousness.
What evidence is there of increasing public activism and awareness despite media influence?
There are noticeable shifts in public awareness and participation in movements and protests against US foreign policy, indicating a gradual change in public consciousness.
Describe the historical pattern of US intervention in Central America.
The US has a long history of intervention in Central America, aimed at controlling resources and maintaining political stability favorable to US interests. This pattern continued with increased repression in El Salvador in the 1980s.
How did the concept of 'Engineering of Consent' develop, and who were its primary proponents?
The concept was developed post-WWI, with figures like Edward Bernays and Walter Lippmann emphasizing the importance of manipulating public opinion as an essential element in a democracy.
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