Since its inception, those in power have always been aware of the power & influence that could be wielded by controlling the images presented to the masses via Mass Media. In the early days of radio, and even more with the coming of television, mass media was often the tool utilized to indoctrinate us with the ideas of what was good and proper for the American public [insert sarcastic smile here]. But since the passing of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, any semblance of morality exited stage left and ushered in an era of madness that even George Orwell would not have been able to foresee. The Telecommunications Act of 1996, passed under former President Bill Clinton, allowed for deregulation and relaxation of the guidelines that Radio and Television Networks must operate within. Prior to that time there were fairly strict rules in place, in regard to the content that had to/could be/could not be aired, and to guard against any one company developing a monopoly. Almost immediately, larger corporations came in to devour the smaller radio stations, television stations, and record labels. Gone was the idea of providing content, substance or education. Now companies like NEWSCORP (FOX), VIACOM, AOL/TIME WARNER, VIACOM (COMCAST), SONY (CBS), RADIO ONE, and UNIVERSAL (VIVENDI) were put in position to TELL YOU what's right, cool, smart, etc. The end result is a 17+ year epidemic, in which two generations of masses now hold conquests of materialism, sex, drugs, and violence as the pinnacle of what life is all about. Athletes, Singers, Rappers, and Fictitious Movie/T.V. Characters have become our role models (can't stomach the idea of using the word "Leaders" here). Stories of true events, and and real-life leaders, have been revised & re-packaged by the corporations and media outlets that own the images and your access to the information. If it cannot be used to make more money, then you will probably not see or here about it. Politicians now stand out more for the outrageous statements that they make, rather than for actual policy changes & legislation. The way we talk, walk and dress have been impacted. And those who resist conforming to these imposed standards are castigated for going against the grain. Sadly, these same tactics are used to justify the murder and imprisonment of people of color all around the world. Lawyers, Politicians, Police Departments, State Governments, Political Action Committees, and others, now skillfully twist information to push forward agendas to profit off of Public Paranoia & Fear. In the next few days we will revisit this point, as an examination of how the media is used as a smokescreen to further develop the Prison Industrial Complex (aka modern day slavery). Stay tuned, and THANK YOU for reading...
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