corporate media, America's Pied Piper

corporate media, America's Pied Piper

 

I prefer to think of Americans as the Children of Hamelin rather than the Rats, but either analogy will do so long as we do not look too closely at the tale by the Brothers Grimm. 

 

Once upon a time, not so long ago and not so far away, the Empire Builders became concerned over the rapidly growing discontent among their subjects.  "If we don't stop this insurrection," they cried, wringing their bejeweled hands, "they may begin demanding to share in our great wealth.  And that will never do." 

And so when their subjects gathered before their factory doors and made demands, they called upon their National Guards and hired Thugs and Bully Boys to drive them back to their work benches and production lines.  But this only seemed to anger their subjects, and the crowds grew and the demands became even louder.  "We must solve this problem or be faced with sharing," said the Empire Builder's Leader.  The thought of sharing stunned them into silence.  As they sat quietly there came a loud knock at their palace door.  "Who knocks?" they cried in unison. 

"It is me, Mass Media.  I have come to your rescue." 

Quickly they opened the door and brought this strange looking fellow in.  He stood before them in many shapes, looking like a hundred talking heads.  "Buy up all of the available radio and TV space and pay me my price and I will charm, deceive, trick, distract, confuse, and lead your subjects astray.  They will become so overloaded with my clever charm and bold lies that they will come to believe whatever I tell them." 

The Empire Builders cried out in unison, "Yes! Yes! We will buy up all of the air space and you just name your price." 

And the Mass Media named a price that caused the Empire Builders to blanch and tremble at the thought of parting with some of their great wealth.  Putting their heads together they whispered, "It's a great price, but we can make it all back.  And besides, if it works we can refuse to pay." 

And so it came to pass that the Empire Builders bought up all of the available time on the public air waves and turned the Mass Media loose to work his magic.  In only a few short years Mass Media had charmed the subjects and lulled them into compliance.  They were distracted by game shows, sports, reality shows Soap Operas and babbling newscasters who giggled and simpered and said nothing but vague chatter, and weather reports. 

The Empire Builders could not believe their eyes.  Their subjects went about their days doing the bidding of the Ruling Class and never finding time to gather and discuss issues.  And the Empire Builders went back to the business of conquering the world and attempting to satisfy their Greed. 

But one fine day there came a knock at their palace door.  "Who knocks," they cried. 

"It is I, Mass Media.  I've come for my pay." 

"Go away!  We no longer need you and we don't need to pay you, sucker."  My how they howled with laughter. 

But when they turned to watch their TV, a shocked silence befell them.  Countless thousands of men and women were gathered together in Madison, Wisconsin.  They were shouting and demanding that the governor come out and hear them.  Channel after channel showed the Empire Builders the bad news.  It was as if their subjects could no longer hear Mass Media and were once again gathering together around the country in planning meetings and marching in unison. 

And then they heard the mighty crashing of their palace gates. 

 

Curious Carl

 

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Too long have the workers of the world waited for some Moses to lead them out of bondage. I would not lead you out if I could; for if you could be led out, you could be led back again. I would have you make up your minds there is nothing that you cannot do for yourselves. --Eugene Victor Debs
1855-1926