MovieChat Forums > Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media (1992) Discussion > Now what?

Now what?

posted 16 years ago by joepierce_
9 replies | jump to latest

I just finished watching this documentary for the 12th time. I learn something new with each viewing and am fascinated / disturbed with the facts that are being presented. I learned of Noam Chomsky this time last year and my mind has been blown ever since. At first I was shell shocked and a year later in total accord. I am currently 25 years old and am just beginning my “professional life.” After viewing this film, I don’t know how I can continue to be a “cog in a machine.” So, my question is, do any of you feel the same way, and if so, what have you done or what do you plan to do about it?

[–] nedbingryerson 16 years ago

joepierce,

I'm also very dissatisfied with the state of the media.

I think the internet is a fantastic tool for ordinary people like you and me to propagate unfiltered facts.

But I don't really have any plans. I'm beset with many questions:
1) Do I really have anything interesting to write about?
2) Do I need a methodology?
3) If we arrive at the point where many people on the net write about an event, how do we combine all those writings into something concise but faithful?

[–] althron64-1 16 years ago

Guys, you're really missing the point. It's not just "the media" that's the problem. It's media in a capitalist democracies in general, which serve to protect a status quo. And more than that, structures of power and authority everywhere.

You're asking what to DO about all this? Try reading the rest of Chomsky's work. Then watch some (all?) political documentaries. Then read some political philosophy. Think. A lot. Become as well-informed as you can before deciding what to do.

As for me, Chomsky changed my life and I'm now a revolutionary in the struggle against capitalism.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] stevewest-1 16 years ago

I intend to look at other countries where the lifestyle isn't geared to getting the maximum amount of work from workers.
I've also listened to hours of Chomsky's lectures, I don't think there's much anyone can do apart from starting a movement, unless the privileged elite start taking on board Chomsky's findings/views (which is not going to happen in our lifetimes).

[–] rom_italian_1990 15 years ago

Chomsky offers a simple democratic solution start any change - join with like-minded people. There are more than you may think. Chomsky states that one of the primary reasons why he holds so many lectures and speeches is to get people together. He wants people to join, talk, and collaborate to resist the powers that be.

"What can I do to help?" - he has been asked that plenty of times and he always gives the answer I just stated as the most effective means of resistance

[–] moretap 15 years ago

Join a Church. They are a separate group that has a different mission than the government, they have constitutional free exercise. Remember in the movie Chomsky said he got a lot of his info about East Timor from churches. Be "in the world, but not of the world."

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"The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God." JFK

[–] Lookmumnohands 13 years ago

Don't join a church. What will that help? Sure a church will give a different view from the government, but religious agendas (which are clearly stated in religious texts and by fanatical leaders) are just as bad if not worse in some cases. Sure, lots of church groups have opposed genoicide, but lots have supported it (and had memebers directly involved in it). Think for yourself. Don't let governemnt OR religion tell you what to think.

People should shape and influence the government. Churches aim to shape and influene people.

[–] BenZine6 11 years ago

You could join a Unitarian Universalist church, where you will be expected to think for yourself and will find many people working to make this society better and more just. uua.org

[–] fanslayer 8 years ago

I don't think there is anything you can do to change things unless you are more powerful than the elites. The best thing you can do to not worsen the problem is make sure not to bring children into this rotten system.

I exist.