So in the twentieth century, there’s a major current of…
![“So in the twentieth century, there’s a major current of American thought―in fact, it’s probably the dominant current among people who think about these things [political scientists, journalists, public relations experts and so on]―which says that precisely because the state has lost the power to…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/da6/noam-chomsky-42_consumerism_so-in-the-twentieth-century-there-s-a-ma_2760423.jpg)
““So in the twentieth century, there’s a major current of American thought―in fact, it’s probably the dominant current among people who think about these things [political scientists, journalists, public relations experts and so on]―which says that precisely because the state has lost the power to coerce, elites need to have more effective propaganda to control the public mind. That was Walter Lippmann’s point of view, for example, to mention probably the dean of American journalists―he referred to the population as a “bewildered herd”: we have to protect ourselves from “the rage and trampling of the bewildered herd.” And the way you do it, Lippmann said, is by what he called the “manufacture of consent”―if you don’t do it by force, you have to do it by the calculated “manufacture of consent.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When state power wanes, elites use subtle persuasion to shape public opinion instead of force.
In simple terms: Loss of coercive power leads to sophisticated propaganda.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question manufactured consent.
Themes
media
propaganda
power
public opinion
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- advertising
- social media manipulation
Key Concepts
political science
communication theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicate consent is manufactured?
- How can individuals protect themselves?
A Different Perspective
Consent can be manipulated without overt force.