As society becomes more complex and opaque, as social processes seem more impersonal and autonomous, and as elites of 'experts' become more annoying, more people are tempted to think that some 'they' is manipulating 'us', using, among other dark arts, advertising.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the growing mistrust in society as individuals perceive manipulation by powerful elites through impersonal methods like advertising.
George Will's quote reflects a societal concern where increasing complexity and the impersonality of social processes lead to a sense of alienation. As people navigate a world where experts and elites seem to control narratives and influence public opinion, a pervasive feeling arises that there is an unseen force, often encapsulated as 'they', manipulating the masses. This sentiment points to a broader skepticism about transparency and authenticity in modern communication, particularly concerning the role of advertising in shaping perceptions and behaviors.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about media influence during a marketing seminar.
The problem with intelligent-design theory, is not that it is false but that it is not falsifiable. Not being susceptible to contradicting evidence, it is not a testable hypothesis. Hence it is not a scientific but a creedal tenet - a matter of faith, unsuited to a public school's science curriculum.
The cultivation - even celebration - of victimhood by intellectuals, tort lawyers, politicians and the media is both cause and effect of today's culture of complaint.
Correct thinkers think that 'baseball trivia' is an oxymoron: nothing about baseball is trivial.
Constitutional arguments that seem as dry as dust can have momentous consequences.
The civil forfeiture law - if something so devoid of due process can be dignified as law - is an incentive for perverse behavior: Predatory government agencies get to pocket the proceeds from property they seize from Americans without even charging them with, let alone convicting them of, crimes. Criminals are treated better than this because they lose the fruits of their criminality only after being convicted.
Actually, there is only one first question of government, and it is How should we live? or What kind of people do we want our citizens to be?
In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
A great empire and little minds go ill together.
God is the ultimate source of all power. All human power is therefore derived, limited, unstable and transient.
About Superman and Batman: the former is how America views itself, the latter, darker character is how the rest of the world views America.
Our culture difinitely takes an egocentric dominator view. The fear of the psychedelic experience is quite literally the fear of losing control. Dominator types today don't understand that it's not important to maintain control if you are not in control in the first place.
For you all think God is one who rewards good and punishes evil, but I say to you that God is one who loves you and has compassion for everyone. You just have to pray to Him and believe in Him. He will always be your guiding light.
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