There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
The media are a corporate monopoly. They have the same point of view. The two parties are two factions of the business party. Most of the population doesn't even bother voting because it looks meaningless. They're marginalized and properly distracted. At least that's the goal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the influence of media and politics, suggesting that both are controlled by corporate interests, leading to voter apathy.
Noam Chomsky meticulously analyzes the interplay between media and politics, articulating how corporate monopolies shape public perception and diminish the democratic process. He suggests that the two major political parties serve not the interests of the people but rather the business elites, creating a sense of futility among the populace regarding voting. This critique unveils a broader narrative about systemic control and the manipulation of citizens, who are often kept marginalized and distracted from the real issues that affect their lives.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the role of media in a political science class.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes →The 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
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The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
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One can generally say this about men: that they are ungrateful, fickle, simulators and deceivers, avoiders of danger, greedy for gain; and while you work for their good they are completely yours, offering you their blood, their property, their lives, and their sons when danger is far away; but when it comes nearer to you, they turn away.
Perhaps the surest test of an individual's integrity is his refusal to do or say anything that would damage his self-respect.