I think that the Chomsky/Herman Propaganda Model suggests that sometimes some sectors of the elite can step outside the hegemonic frame, but here is a crsip summary of the model by Herman:
===The power of the U.S. propaganda system lies in its ability to mobilize an elite consensus, to give the appearance of democratic consent, and to create enough confusion, misunderstanding and apathy in the general population to allow elite programs to go forward. We also emphasized the fact that there are often differences within the elite that open up space for some debate and even occasional (but very rare) attacks on the intent as well as the tactical means of achieving elite ends.
http://www.chomsky.info/onchomsky/20031209.htm <http://www.chomsky.info/onchomsky/20031209.htm>
I just spent two days doing trainings at the Z Media Institute where the application of the Propaganda Model to the Tea Parties was discussed at length, so unless Noam contradicted our discussion in his workshop yesterday (and I would have heard about it!), then I think many people leaning toward the Tea Parties can be shifted toward progressive positions through face-to-face organizing. This has been tested and documented by the folks at Working America and found to be do-able. http://www.workingamerica.org/blog/2010/06/03/working-class-at-the-tipping-point/
Mr. C has agreed to look at some research papers I have written on the subject and give me some feedback, so I can give you a more definitive answer in a few weeks. Meanwhile his speech at Left Forum serves as his most recent full statement on the current situation.
-cb
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From: lbo-talk-bounces at lbo-talk.org on behalf of John Gulick Sent: Fri 6/11/2010 8:52 AM To: lbo-talk Cc: John Gulick Subject: [lbo-talk] Mark Ames: The Tea Party as a front group for oil flacks
Chip Berlet says:
"Astroturf is not the same as manipulated groups of people numbering in the millions that would be what Chomsky calls the Propoganda Model."
JG asks:
Incidentally, Chip, doesn't Chomsky's "Propaganda Model" assume that the hoi polloi are taking positions against their own interest because they are being fed false information and being denied accurate information -- and would think and act in their own interest if they had access to the actual facts? If so, this model doesn't seem to apply to the vast majority of Tea Partiers, either...
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