Acquiescence Quote by Upton Sinclair
“Journalism is one of the devices whereby industrial autocracy keeps its control over political democracy; it is the day-by-day, between-elections propaganda, whereby the minds of the people are kept in a state of acquiescence, so that when the crisis of an election comes, they go to the polls and cast their ballots for either one of the two candidates of their exploiters.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Crisis, 1935
Journalism can be used by industrial powers to shape public opinion, ensuring political compliance until elections.
In simple terms: Media can manipulate public opinion for power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize media bias and seek truth.
Themes
politics
media
control
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- voting decisions
- media consumption
- public debates
- activism
Key Concepts
Propaganda
democracy
industrial influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens detect propaganda?
- What role should independent journalism play?
A Different Perspective
Media also offers counter-narratives and investigative truth.
![“[The purpose of a written constitution is] to bind up the several branches of government by certain laws, which, when they transgress, their acts shall become nullities; to render unnecessary an appeal to the people, or in other words a rebellion, on every infraction of their rights, on the peril…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/867/thomas-jefferson-43_acquiescence_the-purpose-of-a-written-constitution-is_244689.jpg)
