How does Captialism demonize Socialism/Communism? (or how to spot it?)

[Hexen]

How does Capitalist society demonize socialism/communism via metaphorical depictions found in media (films/games/etc) and how can we spot/recognize them via our observance?

One of the first things I noticed is that I don't think there has never been a film that accurately portrays a socialist/communist/etc society but instead, I noticed that alot of films/games/etc metaphorically portray socialism as rather hive mind carbon copies (Which I think started with the Invasion of the Body Snatchers during the 1950s, which this fad proceeded on with the Cybermen from Dr Who, Helios from the game Deus Ex and especially it's sequel "Invisible Wars", The Borg from Star Trek, and on...) and such which I think damages the image of what socialism actually is and also represents a distorted metaphorical understanding and irrational fear of socialism/communism from Capitalist society.

Has anybody noticed this?

[rednordman]

Yes, i do. Just I do not know whether it is specifically an attack on communism or socialism. Reason I say this is that such examples, are too much a pathetic attempt. I mean, come on...We are all not suddenly, if ever, going to become some generic tribe of people who are all the same are we?

Even if someone decide that we all had to whare the same clothes, at least personality would still shine though (as well as our physical apperances). This isnt what any of the collective ideologies have ever been about. Even the very bad ones. I think if it is aimed at them, than its a sort of fantasy as in wanting a black and white/straight forward enemy. If anything.

Saying that, does anyone actually know the idea behind the borg, in star trek? I always thought that it was aimed more at the nazis than any real leftwing ideology.

[Drace]

Like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wccIqjrGGMk

[Luisrah]

There are tons of attacks on communism while saying good things about the US and capitalism.

For example, have you ever noticed that in movies, the CIA are just special agents, and the KGB is always the number one secret police they talk of?
Chances are whenever you hear democracy is a movie, it's praising the US.

In movies, the US and the western world, but specifically and specially the US, are always the good guys, and the bad guys are always Russian, East European, Chinese, or South American.

Heck, look at Star Wars, and the blue vs the red sabers.

They are constantly trying (and succeeding) to make people look up to them as fighters for the greater good, peace, democracy and freedom.

[Drace]

What I hate most is how the use of the term democracy now means nothing more than a Republic similar to the US style.

If your reading about a collapse of the USSR for example, the word choice will be very demoralizing. "The communist regime finally collapsed in 1991 and marked the transition to a democracy".
"The transition to democracy will be hard for the Czechoslovakians but will be rewarding"

[Axle]

What I hate most is how the use of the term democracy now means nothing more than a Republic similar to the US style.

If your reading about a collapse of the USSR for example, the word choice will be very demoralizing. "The communist regime finally collapsed in 1991 and marked the transition to a democracy".
"The transition to democracy will be hard for the Czechoslovakians but will be rewarding"

More often than not, "democracy" means nothing more than "capitalism" in these cases. And its not like America really gives a shit about democracy of any kind. We've happily toppled regimes and backed tyrants to further our interests.

[Zanthorus]

Heck, look at Star Wars, and the blue vs the red sabers.

That's a good point actually. The Jedi are supposed to be this group of awesome super intelligent beings. Yet they're fighting for a lame liberal republic. If they're really so awesome why aren't their anarchist or Marxist factions?

[el_chavista]

Have you noticed that the majority of the means of ideological production related to movies in America have American-Jews directors? Is this part of the Israeli lobby's power of influencing the American government?

[Luisrah]

That's a good point actually. The Jedi are supposed to be this group of awesome super intelligent beings. Yet they're fighting for a lame liberal republic. If they're really so awesome why aren't their anarchist or Marxist factions?

Lol, look at Obi-Wan in ep III.

Anakin (Darth Vader) - I have brought peace, justice, security and freedom to my new empire.

(Clear stupidity) but the ''wise'' master comes and says this

Obi-Wan - Your new empire? Anakin, I fight for the Republic, for democracy!

Dumbass

[stud40111]

Have you noticed that the majority of the means of ideological production related to movies in America have American-Jews directors? Is this part of the Israeli lobby's power of influencing the American government?

This ought to be developed further.

[mikelepore]

Who said that fictitious characters like the Borg were intended to depict socialism? I've never heard anyone say that, before the top post in this topic.

[gorillafuck]

Have you noticed that the majority of the means of ideological production related to movies in America have American-Jews directors? Is this part of the Israeli lobby's power of influencing the American government?
No, it's not the Israeli lobby. If that's true it's a coincidence, and I doubt that it's true.

[Drace]

Have you noticed that the majority of the means of ideological production related to movies in America have American-Jews directors? Is this part of the Israeli lobby's power of influencing the American government?

You sound like you come from Stormfront.

[el_chavista]

You sound like you come from Stormfront.

I'm just a mixed race Latino wondering why Hollywood movie industry is so influencing in capitalist ideological production and besides it is in the hands of American-Jewish people. Even actors like Mel Gibson -complaining about the Israeli aggressions to Palestine- and long ago Marlon Brandon -pointing out the media responsability in reducing racism (he got a svastica painted in his star at Sunset boulevard), are instances of Holliwood intolerance to critics of this sort.

[mikelepore]

If there is really some population statistical data from a reputable source, such as the census bureau, to prove that the movie industry is mostly owned by Jews, let's see the actual data. Otherwise, we can assume that it's a myth.

[Robocommie]

If there is really some population statistical data from a reputable source, such as the census bureau, to prove that the movie industry is mostly owned by Jews, let's see the actual data. Otherwise, we can assume that it's a myth.

Particularly racist and conspiratorial myth, too. You might as well say that Jews also run the banks and the news media.

[Drace]

Heres a list of things Jews control
http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/political/jews/jews_run_world.htm

I think Stormfront is just jealous.

[Invincible Summer]

Capitalism demonizes socialism/communism, not just through metaphorical depictions, but also through how socialism/communism is framed in the media.

Chomsky & Herman wrote about this (not directly about socialism/communism though) in their book Manufacturing Consent. Basically, as the media outlets in capitalist society are owned by the ruling classes, they have a duty to make money for these business people. It is not necessarily about actual journalism or objective news reporting, but rather what news benefits the business people and advertisers the most.

Does it benefit them to report on positive advances of leftist movements abroad? No. It's better to paint them as "terrorists" or "extremists" or maybe not even mention them at all. Instead, focus on "peace" and "love" - abstract hippy concepts that mean nothing outside of an individual level.

Another example is how the media will name China as a "communist" country, and basically state that its repression is due to its "communist" nature, while ignoring the facets of what "real" communism is. This makes us "real" communists out to be all about censoring and repressing people when that is far from the truth.

[Psy]

Capitalism demonizes socialism/communism, not just through metaphorical depictions, but also through how socialism/communism is framed in the media.

Chomsky & Herman wrote about this (not directly about socialism/communism though) in their book Manufacturing Consent. Basically, as the media outlets in capitalist society are owned by the ruling classes, they have a duty to make money for these business people. It is not necessarily about actual journalism or objective news reporting, but rather what news benefits the business people and advertisers the most.

Does it benefit them to report on positive advances of leftist movements abroad? No. It's better to paint them as "terrorists" or "extremists" or maybe not even mention them at all. Instead, focus on "peace" and "love" - abstract hippy concepts that mean nothing outside of an individual level.

Another example is how the media will name China as a "communist" country, and basically state that its repression is due to its "communist" nature, while ignoring the facets of what "real" communism is. This makes us "real" communists out to be all about censoring and repressing people when that is far from the truth.
Yet another example would the view that Vietnam was a mistake rather then a imperialist war.

[Drace]

Yet another example would the view that Vietnam was a mistake rather then a imperialist war.

Oh yes definitely. The media surpassed much of the bad news at the beginning but when things were obviously going wrong it just switched to the position of "it was just a mistake"

And I don't think they ever reported about the US dropping 12 million tons of Agent Orange.

But before even the threat of the USSR existed, US press still played a role in discouraging communist ideals. Strikes and labor unions were viciously harassed.
In one headline for example, a major strike was put as "MOBS TAKE OVER CITY"

I have more on it on my blog