US sensationalism and politics?

[punisa]

hi!

Well, respecting our mutual differences, but I'd like to ask for your opinion.

What is the role of the huge over emphasis of sensationalism in US media and propaganda? I've read an article (forgot the link, sorry) that it greatly impact the masses and their ability to be (politicly) active.

Example: I'm just watching LIVE coverage of Obama's speech (he's ok so far) from Baltimore on CNN. When the announcer announces him he makes it sound like the WWF match (?!) - "Here he is folks ! Baraaaaaack Ooooobama!" (ecstatic cheers).

Is it just a cultural thing that is a part of every day life, or is it somewhat overstretched by the media?

I'm asking as I've never actually lived in the US, but we do have (in Eastern Europe) a strong invasion of US branded media since the fall of socialism.
Sometimes I'm just shocked. Watching that Oprah show today... the crowd screams like they saw Jesus Christ or something??

What is more confusing for me is that I studied on the American college here in Europe and met many many young people from the US, all parts of the US - from upstate NY to San Francisco, LA to Dallas...
I never got the feeling that these folk where from the "US portrayed culture" - they were smart, intelligent and very communicative.
Yep, they also never used the 4 second long "yeaaah" with an oversized smile if it wasn't for a reason.

Still watching US media makes me feel like everything showed is just a sharade, a fony pink party for I dunno who?

So, what's the deal and how does it impact the workers struggle?
Please bear in mind that I am quite ignorant on the subject, but am talking upon my personal observations.

[fabiansocialist]

What is the role of the huge over emphasis of sensationalism in US media and propaganda? I've read an article (forgot the link, sorry) that it greatly impact the masses and their ability to be (politicly) active.


It's the "society of the spectacle" (Guy Debord), where the media circus entertains at the same time as it confuses, lies, obfuscates, and reduces to passivity. Where image and reality are confused, sometimes conflated, and the same for rhetoric and action. Where engineered aura and charisma are key -- but not facts and detailed, careful reasoning. Where the rulers and their political stooges have become remote and show themselves only through the prism of the electronic medium. It militates against communal self-sufficiency and self-organisation.

Other than Guy Debord, I might suggest Jean Baudrillard.

[punisa]

It's the "society of the spectacle" (Guy Debord), where the media circus entertains at the same time as it confuses, lies, obfuscates, and reduces to passivity. Where image and reality are confused, sometimes conflated, and the same for rhetoric and action. Where engineered aura and charisma are key -- but not facts and detailed, careful reasoning. Where the rulers and their political stooges have become remote and show themselves only through the prism of the electronic medium. It militates against communal self-sufficiency and self-organisation.

Other than Guy Debord, I might suggest Jean Baudrillard.

Thanks comrade ! This is great info for my future studies. I was actually gonna ask if someone might suggest some written sources, but I forgot. Luckily you took care of that.
I'll start snooping.

Did anyone conduct any research on the influence of the specific media on ex socialist bloc. I believe this would be a great subject as it has taken huge impact on people. Believe me, I see it everyday :unsure:

[RadioRaheem84]

Example: I'm just watching LIVE coverage of Obama's speech (he's ok so far) from Baltimore on CNN. When the announcer announces him he makes it sound like the WWF match (?!) - "Here he is folks ! Baraaaaaack Ooooobama!" (ecstatic cheers).


Walking around my college campus you would think the second of coming Christ occurred. It is a bit frightening to see Obama's image plastered EVERYWHERE with such enthusiasm.
Strike that, not enthusiasm; fervor. There are wall drawings of him, signs, posters, writings in the snow! It's just eerie. I feel like I am living in Maoist China.