It is clear today that in both socialist and capitalist systems, the use of mass media to shape public opinion can raise concerns about the manipulation of information and the potential for censorship. Those in power can and do use the media to promote their own interests and suppress dissenting opinions, leading to a homogenization of thought and a loss of diversity in the public discourse.
While the founding fathers did not specifically address the issue of media ownership and concentration, they had a heightened concern for the risks of concentrated power which through inferential coupling can be applied to this issue. Media monopolization restricts the range of free expression of disparate viewpoints that are available to the public which emasculates the ability of citizens to make knowledgeable decisions and hold their government accountable. By promoting diversity and competition in the media, and protecting the freedom of the press, the U.S. government can help to ensure that the media serves as a healthy and independent check on power in a democracy. Unfortunately, while some regulations on media concentration do exist their enforcement by the FCC remains feeble at best.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the freedom of the press, and to ensure that media ownership is disparate and competitive, so that a cornucopia of philosophies and opinions are presented to the public. There is a great concern in America that the government has not fulfilled its obligation to the American people to protect the freedom of an independent, truthful, and unbiased press and it has been accused by many of using the media as a tool of misdirection, suppression of thought, factionalization and ideological polarization masquerading as FAKE NEWS!
However, the use of mass media to shape public opinion can also have positive effects if used judiciously. In a socialist system, the media can be used to promote collective values and a sense of social responsibility. In a capitalist system, the media can be used to promote accountability and transparency, as well as to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and ideas.
Ultimately, the use of mass media to shape public opinion is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of its potential benefits and drawbacks. While the legacy of pBAM* and the CIA’s mind control experiments highlights the dangers of unregulated and unethical practices, the responsible use of mass media can be a powerful tool for promoting informed and critical thinking, and for fostering a more engaged and socially responsible society.
Would you agree that there is there a grand plan to influence public opinion and behavior, such as through advertising, public relations, lobbying, and propaganda to reshape the brainwaves of society?
As the newest generation to enter the workforce and shape the future of business, Gen Z/the “I” generation (iGen) demographic cohort born between the mid-1990s and the mid-2010s has already made a significant impact on the world with their unique perspectives, digital fluency, entrepreneurial spirit, pragmatic focus on transparency and social consciousness. However, many Gen Zers have embraced what some consider “crazy socialistic/Marxist ideas” that suggest that wealth should be redistributed and that the government should take a more active role in ensuring equality. These ideas are an extension of the 1930s and 1940s philosophies of the Frankfurt School led by Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, and Erich Fromm, who developed a body of work known as critical theory, which sought to analyze the relationship between culture, power, and society, and to develop a Marxist critique of capitalist society. While these ideas may sound appealing, they can be counterproductive in the pursuit of wealth creation and financial success.
Instead, Gen Zers should embrace and adopt dealmaking and wealth creation as critical strategies for building a sustainable and prosperous future. Market-based systems have proven to be most effective in generating economic growth and increasing societal material well-being. Working from a base of economic prosperity, it is more reasonable that Gen Zers will advocate that our government provide a more robust system of social protections and regulations to ensure economic growth and safety nets for the general population without the need to print obscene debt raising fiat currency to sustain the tired, poor and huddled masses, the homeless, tempest-tossed, wretched refuse have nots of society, provide an opportunity for all and keep inflation in check.
Here are some reasons why:
Deal making and wealth creation promote individual initiative and entrepreneurship. These values are important for Gen Zers who want to make an impact and achieve success on their terms.
Wealth creation is a powerful tool for social change. By creating successful businesses and generating wealth, Gen Zers can fund and support social initiatives that align with their values and have a meaningful impact.
Deal making and wealth creation require innovation and creativity. These are important skills for Gen Zers who are tech-savvy, globally connected, and eager to make their mark in the world.
Wealth creation enables individuals to be more financially independent and self-reliant. This can help Gen Zers avoid being overly reliant on government programs and create more opportunities for themselves and their communities.
Deal making and wealth creation encourage competition, which can lead to better products, services, and outcomes for consumers. Gen Zers, who value authenticity and transparency, can use this competition to promote more ethical and responsible business practices.
Wealth creation provides a pathway to financial security and stability. This is especially important for Gen Zers, who are facing significant economic challenges, including student loan debt and a competitive job market.
Deal making and wealth creation promote risk-taking and resilience. These are important qualities for Gen Zers who are navigating a rapidly changing world and facing significant economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Wealth creation provides an opportunity to create generational wealth and ensure a better future for themselves and their families. This can help Gen Zers break free from the cycle of poverty and create a legacy that will last for generations to come.
Deal making and wealth creation require a long-term vision and strategic planning. These skills are important for Gen Zers who want to create sustainable and successful businesses that will thrive over the long term.
Wealth creation can be a powerful tool for social mobility and creating opportunities for all. By creating successful businesses and generating wealth, Gen Zers can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and create a more just and prosperous society for everyone.
In conclusion, while some Gen Zers may be drawn to socialistic/Marxist ideas, dealmaking and wealth creation provide a much more effective and sustainable approach to creating wealth and promoting social change. A market-based system supports Gen Zers aspirations of hope and opportunity and a good life for citizens and for immigrants coming to America, who are seeking freedom and opportunity guarded by the Mother of Exiles, the Statue of Liberty, whose torch, and flame of imprisoned lightning stands guard in New York harbor, over truth, justice, and the American way of life.
By embracing these values and adopting them in their personal and professional lives, Gen Zers can create a much brighter future for themselves, for their communities and for America. God Bless America!
*pBAM is my acronym for CIA Projects Bluebird, Artichoke and MKUUltra. Project Bluebird was a CIA program that began in the 1950s and aimed to develop mind control techniques for use in intelligence operations. It was a predecessor program to Project Artichoke and then to the expanded Project MKUltra. Each of these programs built on each other and involved experiments on human subjects, including the use of drugs, hypnosis, and other forms of psychological manipulation to alter individuals’ beliefs and behaviors. pBAM also explored methods for changing individuals’ actions and creating “Manchurian candidates” who could be controlled to carry out the CIA’s nefarious tasks.