Broads Quote by Edward Bernays
“The American motion picture is the greatest unconscious carrier of propaganda in the world today. It is a great distributor for ideas and opinions. The motion picture can standardize the ideas and habits of a nation. Because pictures are made to meet market demands, they reflect, emphasize and even exaggerate broad popular tendencies, rather than stimulate new ideas and opinions. The motion picture avails itself only of ideas and facts which are in vogue. As the newspaper seeks to purvey news, it seeks to purvey entertainment.”
About This Quote
Film serves as a powerful, market‑driven conduit for prevailing ideas, shaping national habits and opinions more through reinforcement than innovation.
In simple terms: Movies spread popular ideas and reinforce existing habits.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess media influence on beliefs.
Themes
media
propaganda
culture
cinema
public opinion
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
cultural
political
When to use this quote
- media literacy courses
- film critique groups
- policy discussions on media regulation
Key Concepts
mass persuasion
market forces
cultural shaping
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cinema shape your worldview?
- Can film be a force for new ideas?
A Different Perspective
May ignore films that challenge norms.
