> the entire reality they see and what they believe to be true is heavily distorted--in that, it is defined by the vision of the oligarchy and information is carefully controlled to produce a desired set of beliefs.
That's pretty much how I feel about the Fox-watching population of the US.
> That's pretty much how I feel about the Fox-watching population of the US.
I used to think the same thing, and to some degree I think it holds truth. But after spending lots of time with my right-wing family, I think it's a bit more nuanced than that. Most avid Fox News watchers I've met fail to embrace the entire world-view or vision promoted on the channel, and share maybe 60-70% of the opinions elicited toward viewers. I know, it's just one data point, but I don't have a study handy.
I think it's generally safe to assume that a large chunk of people who happen to hold opinions you disagree with don't hold them because they are retarded. Even Fox News viewers.
In other words, comparing Fox to the media situation in China or Russia is just ridiculous and irresponsible.
The point of "comparing" anything to anything else is to see how the things are alike, and how they differ, as in "compare and contrast." If such comparisons are to be verboten, even if by stigma and not by fiat, then we are giving up an essential tool of understanding.
That's pretty much how I feel about the Fox-watching population of the US.