Propaganda (1928): Part 5

In this fifth and final episode of the Mic Check Radio Book Club series we conclude with the final chapters of the audio book, Propaganda by Edward L Burnays, published in 1928.  Noam Chomsky has called this book "the main manual of the public relations industry".  It may be 87 years old, but the ideas and concepts are still used (and successful) today.  This book explores the psychology of manipulating the masses in order to influence consumerism, politics, social change and gender dynamics.  On this episode we will hear Chapter 8: Propaganda for Education, Chapter 9: Propaganda in Social Service, Chapter 10: Art and Science and Chapter 11: The Mechanics of Propaganda. [Click to Listen]

We Are Being Programmed (Part 6): 1984 in the 1960's

We are all affected by it...call it advertising, propaganda, programming, social engineering, psychological operations, or whatever other term could be applied.  The act of a force outside of your mind trying to convince you to do something.  In this installment we take a look at a perfect storm that developed starting in the 1950's.  After WWII, there was a mass exodus of white citizens leaving the major cities of America and settling in the newly created suburbs.  This is the birth of the 'cute' little suburban home with the white picket fence and 2.5 kids.  We look specifically at a place called Levittown as well as just how powerful "car culture" became, economically speaking.  Once everyone is sectioned off in their suburban homes...along comes TV.  Literally, a box of bright, flashing, blinking images set to audio is sold to the American public - and we all wanted one.  What better device than this to sell the idea of the "American Dream".  The TV was specifically used as a psychological weapon to target Women.  There was a concentrated effort to get Women into the kitchen, to stay put in the home and be grateful to have found a man to provide everything.  I suggest standing up for the last few minutes of this show as we will be playing audio from advertisements trying to sell consumer goods to women and the sexism will make you want to pace and curse. [Click to Listen]