Failure Quote by Chris Hedges
““But it would be a mistake to assume that the liberal class was simply seduced by the Utopian promises of globalism. It was also seduced by careerism. Those who mouthed the right words, who did not challenge the structures being cemented into place by the corporate state, who assured the working class that the suffering was temporary and would be rectified in the new world order, were rewarded. They were given public platforms on television and in the political arena. They were held up to the wider society as experts, sages, and specialists. They became the class of wise men and women who were permitted to explain in public forums what was happening to us at home and abroad. The New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, a cheer leader for the Iraq war and globalization, became the poster child for the new class of corporate mandarins. And although Friedman was disastrously wrong about the outcome of the occupation, as he was about the effects of globalization, he continues, with a handful of other apologists, to dominate the airwaves.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “American Fascism”, 2020
The liberal elite were co‑opted by corporate interests, rewarding them with platforms while promoting false promises of progress.
In simple terms: Liberals were used by corporations, gaining fame but spreading myths.
Critically evaluate who benefits from public narratives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- public policy
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly benefits from the “new world order”?
- How can citizens discern authentic expertise?
Complex issues may be oversimplified in critique.