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Patrick's Reviews > Necessary Illusions: Thought Control in Democratic Societies
Necessary Illusions: Thought Control in Democratic Societies
by
by
This is one of the most dry and depressing books I have ever read. This book will open your eyes to the ways that the American government and politicized newspaper editors work together to deal with international relations.
The American-Supported atrocities uncovered in this book (many of which are available from the government as public information, but that newspaper reporters and editors don't bother to address) are simply horrific.
This book really puts into perspective the power that the United States government really has over weaker/developing nations, not to mention the indifference of the American press and American citizens.
Aside from some humour that is dark as pitch and dry as a bone, this book is a consistent and well researched dispersal of information. Chomsky's directness at times seems insensitive toward masses of dying and tortured citizens of developing nations, but I think it is purposeful, and the instant emotional reaction that this insensitivity precipitates refuses to allow the reader to ignore the magnitude of the atrocities it cites, as American newspeople have.
It will bore you, it will piss you off, it will make you want to cry. It's not a book, it's a rite of passage into a more realistic and dismal view of our country's place in the world.
The American-Supported atrocities uncovered in this book (many of which are available from the government as public information, but that newspaper reporters and editors don't bother to address) are simply horrific.
This book really puts into perspective the power that the United States government really has over weaker/developing nations, not to mention the indifference of the American press and American citizens.
Aside from some humour that is dark as pitch and dry as a bone, this book is a consistent and well researched dispersal of information. Chomsky's directness at times seems insensitive toward masses of dying and tortured citizens of developing nations, but I think it is purposeful, and the instant emotional reaction that this insensitivity precipitates refuses to allow the reader to ignore the magnitude of the atrocities it cites, as American newspeople have.
It will bore you, it will piss you off, it will make you want to cry. It's not a book, it's a rite of passage into a more realistic and dismal view of our country's place in the world.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
January 1, 2002
–
Finished Reading
July 20, 2007
– Shelved
I'd say that while the book may be depressing and maybe shake your world a bit, that's often a good thing; the truth can be hard, but that's better than living under Illusion. I haven't read this book, but that seems to be the purpose Chomsky would have, so I wasn't sure if you were saying that the book does this well or not.
While it may be difficult at times, I enjoy gaining a new world view, even if it means some dark thoughts about our world. Do you think this would accomplish that well?