It started with George Bush becoming president. It follows with the Twin Towers attack dubbed 9/11 for the date of the attack. What followed was a series of political and media strategies constructed in such a way as to keep the public in a constant state of fear and uncertainty. It was not a time when people were asked not to ask questions, rather it was a time when people were not given the chance to speak their minds, and if they did they were attacked, abused and put to the sidelines.
I remember an episode of Dr. Phil about anti-war protesters. Long story short, he sent across the message very clearly that the peaceful protests were not welcome in America. Why? Because soldiers who hear about it are disheartened by the thought that people are against what they were fighting for. Which would make sense if there had never been any form of protest ever before in history. This was around the time when Bush went off to war and he and the media concocted the question, and seemingly ultimatum, of whether or not you support the troops.
Protesters were silenced. Popular media personalities stepped lightly and didn't ask the important questions. [www.zeitgeist.com - a movie which eventually looks at the 9/11 attacks and points out a lot of the stuff that was swept under the rug, and events that are still not talked about.]
Does anyone remember Madonna? Sure we all know who she is. Controversy surrounded her name. She pushed the envelope and made major commentary on how we all view the world and the way we act. She took on sexuality and religion. But does anyone remember when she came out with her American Life album [aside from the fact that it was not well received]?
For the album's first single she released two videos. The original was quickly pulled due to being too controversial - What?! Madonna backing down to political and media manipulation? Yup, she did, and then released a very boring video instead. Take a look at both and see which you would have preferred.
Original:
Censored:
It's laughable seeing the difference.
Anyway, then there was the Dixie Chicks who openly voiced their opinion about Bush, and they were attacked and threatened for having an opinion that they were willing to stand up for. They were not willing to back down as Madonna had. They went on to fight for their right to have an opinion. They fought for free speech. They let people know that they didn't agree with the war. They went on to create an amazing album and eventually prove to the masses that they were right. [OK, we all know that 'right' and 'wrong' are subjective, but I refer to popular opinion here].
It's interesting to see how people can be herded like cattle into believing one particular point of view, enough so that the people themselves fight to abolish their chances at free speech.
In these examples, the people, the media moguls, everyone really is affected.
Who is to say your opinion on something of less importance, or something that is less obvious isn't being manipulated as we speak?
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