We aim to raise awareness on topical issues, health, lifestyle, art, literature, socio-economic conditions and philosophical viewpoints to name a few. Our focus is to traverse the tangent route and visualize the diametrically opposite by exploring untrodden cognitive paths. The contextual framework of our discussions will resonate powerfully with a wider global audience due to the interchange of contemporary discourse and the connectivity of diverse belief systems. To achieve this requires a sense of balance, a mirrored connection between the two parts. We are intertwined with our audience, one cannot exist without the other. The show will re-form and reshape fragmented narratives by offering content that alters one’s existing scope of vision. Our goal is to create a forum for you to rethink mainstream discourse by balancing linkages between source and audience. We hope to inspire a global listening audience and speak directly to the untapped potential within us all.
War zones since the early 2000s have challenged the core principles of modern journalism and prompted a reexamination of the role of war journalism during violent conflict. In recent years, the esteemed values within journalism such as objectivity and detachment which aimed to create a balanced coverage of victims and aggressors alike, have been downgraded by many media commentators This episode briefly explores the history of conflict coverage by focusing on two key aspects; The use of propaganda in war journalism and a more recent concept called embedded journalism. Embedded journalism refers to news reporters being attached to military units during armed conflicts. From the media perspective, the privileged access offered by embedding, creates a standard of openness in journalism, helping to appraise the public of military action in foreign wars. There is also a strong willingness by the military to maintain an embedded program because of the potential for garnering public support. Nevertheless, it remains completely subservient to the operational objectives of the military and thus its scope is narrowed. This has led to accusations of one-sided reporting because it concentrates on state and military matters. Since its full scale introduction in the 2003 Iraq war, the program has been dogged by questions of impartiality. How can a journalist who lives, travels and relies on military protection be claim to be unbiased in their reporting? which ultimately calls into question the reporter's objectivity. Warfare has a long history of requiring the backing of public support, and great effort is involved to shape public opinion and convince domestic populations to accept the actions of their governments in a given conflict. As such, the visual media's unique power of influence also makes them more likely to deploy propaganda techniques during military conflicts. Equally, warring parties resort to even greater effort to influence, steer, and control the distribution of visual images and journalist reporting at an international level. For the mass media, war by its very nature is highly newsworthy. War journalism attracts large audiences and engages people, very deeply at an emotional level. The media will often present conflicts as a win-lose scenario in which an idealized, positive ‘self' defeats the demonized, negative ‘other.' War journalists are trained to construct news in a simplified narrative form, based on their existing belief systems. Often this is manifested as the evil “un-democratic” antagonist facing off against the virtuous, democratic protagonist. This classic media framing technique is used to exploit cultural and psychological values of news audiences. How can we evaluate whether the public is truly benefiting from war journalism through the practice of embedded reporting? Because during conflict coverage, there is always an imbalance of shared information between the state and its public, meaning new audiences lose the most.
In this episode we examine a unique type of reporting called investigative journalism, requiring unbridled courage, integrity and sacrifice from certain journalists to bring stories of major significance to public attention. In their role as watchdogs, investigative journalists play a crucial role in placing greater scrutiny on the abuses of power and influence. One of the most famous examples in recent memory includes “The Watergate Scandal” in 1972, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. However in this episode, we focus on the crusading work of one such journalist, Gary Webb and his subsequent demise at the hands of the established elites of his own industry. He was an award winning investigative journalist best known for his 1996 series of articles in the San Jose Mercury News, entitled “Dark Alliance-The Story behind the Crack Explosion.” Webb's expose revealed that the CIA helped to initiate America's crack cocaine epidemic in the early to mid 1980s. This elaborate scheme involved drug traffickers linked to the Contras (a CIA-backed guerrilla army in Nicaragua) who were plotting an attempted coup of the socialist Sandinista government. The proceeds of this illicit operation were used to fund the contras, while the imported cocaine worth millions of dollars were destined for the most impoverished cities in America. His series sparked public outrage, not only about the American government's role in drug trafficking, but also because low income black neighbourhoods, in the south-central area of Los Angeles were the prime targets. It made a mockery of the US government's highly celebrated “war on drugs” policy at home and abroad. We examine the mainstream media's initial disregard for the story, followed by the outright attack from the “Big Three” major dailies. Webb's story was discredited with allegations of shoddy reporting and poor editorial practices at the Mercury News. But even more damaging were accusations that “Dark Alliance” was nothing more than a conspiracy theory and the work of an irrational fantasist. Webb's series was also attacked for lighting the fuse on a widespread sentiment known as “Black Paranoia.” This referred to a federal conspiracy to undermine inner city Black-American neighbourhoods during the 1980s. Also of interest, is how the CIA manipulated its “productive relations” with the press, using its media assets to undermine “Dark Alliance.” We then outline the subsequent demise of Gary Webb, as a result of the shameful attack on his story and subsequent public humiliation. In the final section we explain how Webb's character assassination was enacted by “weaponizing” the journalistic profession via the concept of legitimacy and autonomy. This raises troubling questions about its legitimacy as a professional platform of discourse and the authority of its “moral badge” of ethics and protocols, which stem from the depth of its obsequiousness and unremitting pursuit of power and status.
The Alchemist and His Apprentice -The Stagecraft of Mass Media Manipulation In this episode we focus on how the media is manipulated and controlled by governments, corporations and interest groups to further their respective causes. Media manipulation has been used since the early 20 Century in many war theatres by employing sophisticated techniques such as propaganda and perception management. In the modern context, propaganda is used to persuade the public of the merits of a particular course of action. For instance, in the case of questionable wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan, PR firms manipulated the media using standard techniques such as spreading disinformation in order to shape public opinion. We focus on the use of media as a tool of propaganda in the aftermath of the events of 9/11 and the during the second gulf war in Iraq. To this end the media is an essential conduit of information which, when used correctly, represents one of the most powerful weapons the government possesses at its disposal. By communicating messages to the wider population, the media's role is to imbue individuals with the patterns of behaviour to absorb them into the institutional structures of wider society. The emphasis on message control reflects the intertwining of journalism with the political order, creating an alliance between state-craft and stage-craft. Hence mass media clearly has a pervasive influence on contemporary society. We ask; Why is there is a lack of a critical depth in mainstream media? Or indeed why alternative views are rarely aired (unless there is a motive to ridicule them). Essentially because, media manipulation is related to wealth and power and the dominant elites use television networks and news journalism to maintain their hegemonic position in society. Finally we examine a manipulation technique, referred to by British author and researcher David Icke, as Problem – Reaction – Solution (PRS). Also known as order out of chaos it stems from the philosophical approach of Hegel's Dialectic consisting of an interchange of three stages of development. It involves going from Thesis to Antithesis reverting back again to Synthesis. We provide real life examples where this technique has been used throughout History, resulting in actions or legislation that would never have passed under normal circumstances, based on fear, chaos and disorder. Using this approach we draw parallels with the present Coronavirus, COVID-19 crisis, which appears to invoke the familiar blueprint of the PRS model.
This episode is PART 2 of a dual episode focusing on the covert element of American public policy, aimed at destabilizing foreign governments, toppling foreign leaders, and launching military regime change. I will focus on two unique cases of covert action, Iran (1953) and Chile (1973) which explore in greater detail the use of covert action as a US foreign-policy instrument. Both examples provide a wealth of information on the structure, perceived uses and geo-political implications of covert action. In both Iran and Chile, one can witness the inception of US covert activity at a small scale using propaganda and political operations, and then review their impact as covert action escalated into larger scale operations employing economic or military options, ultimately ending in violent coup d'etat. A brief background to the Iranian case is provided which helps to explain, why US covert action in Iran created ripple effects that when far beyond its immediate use as a policy tool, creating much larger repercussions for future US administrations. Operation AJAX was the code name for the CIA-organized military coup launched against the democratically elected government of Iran, led by Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh. The covert operation was considered a success at the time by foreign policy experts in Washington, and later served as a blueprint and guide for future covert interventions. In Chile, the 1973 coup differed significantly from Iran, because the scenario developed over a longer time period and was precipitated by an aggressive policy of destabilization by the top echelon of US policy makers. Following the victory of left-leaning candidate Salvador Allende in the 1970 presidential election, the US began working against Allende, using diplomatic and economic sanctions and offering financial support to opposition candidates. Such pressures, combined with the inherent instability of Allende's radical economic reforms, led to a collapse of the democratic state. On September 11 1973, General Augusto Pinochet overthrew the Allende government and began a 17-year dictatorship in the country that still haunts Chileans to this day. In both case scenarios I provide an analysis of the consequences of CIA covert action, the various policy considerations to be gleaned from each event, before arriving at concluding remarks. Overall, covert action is a high-risk proposition which carries an enormous level of uncertainly. It rarely produces positive results for the targeted country, when evaluated from a military or economic standpoint. And even when it leads to a small degree of success, there is always an element of failure involved, which leads to lasting repercussions. The current approach to regime change has evolved considerably from its origins in the Cold War due to modern information warfare. However, what remains clear is, the rationale remains unchanged, which is to ultimately, serve national interest and pursue foreign policy objectives at all cost.
Throughout its history the United States has used regime change, employing military and covert operations to overthrow or prop up governments as part of an integral tool of US foreign policy for over a hundred years. Beginning with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the Spanish-American War in 1898, continuing through to the Cold War and into the present day, the United States has remained steadfast in its zeal to overthrow governments that stood in the way of its political and economic goals. No other nation in modern history has carried out regime change so often, and done so, in so many locations away from its own shores. Various US administrations have honed statecraft to depose foreign governments and America's unique policy of regime-change can be classified into three main eras according to author Stephen Kinzer—The imperial era; The cold war era; And the invasion era. Although the invasion of Iraq is the most recent example of direct military force used by the United States, to exert its power and alter another country's leadership, it certainly is not the first. Iraq (2003) was the culmination of a 110-year period during which the United States overthrew fourteen governments, that drew the ire of America's top politicians, all in the name of preserving US strategic and business interests. Iraq was arguably the most blatant form of American military intervention but was not isolated, because previously the United States attempted to change governments in other countries 72 times during the Cold War. US policy makers have used a variety of means to address perceived problems within the foreign policy arena to achieve strategic, economic and political goals. Regime change is a valuable instrument in the American foreign policy toolkit, because it eliminates core threats, supports friendly governments and promotes free trade regimes advantageous to the United States. One of the most contested areas of regime change missions, is the use of covert or secret operations as a policy tool, compared to more overt choices such as full scale military theatre. This two-part episode will focus on the covert element of American public policy, where the United States has played an active role in destabilizing foreign governments, deposing foreign leaders, and launching military regime change. In Part 1, I will begin with a brief primer on covert activity before examining the reasons why covert action has been used as a policy tool by the US government. I will then address the next issue; Whether covert action serves its purpose as a useful mechanism to achieve US foreign policy goals. The examples and analysis provided will offer an insight, into high level US government activity, and the manipulative statecraft employed by the most powerful economy and military force in the world, as part of its ongoing efforts to influence geo-political discourse and maintain its global hegemony.
President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower, in his farewell address of 1961 was the first to express concern about the impact of “an immense military establishment and a large arms industry” which he noted was “new in American experience”. He alerted councils of governments, saying that “we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.' As a result of Eisenhower's speech, over the past few decades, the Military Industrial-Complex [MIC] has become a phrase used by researchers and political commentators, to describe a complex web of connections, pervading the state and industrial apparatus. This includes the military, the Pentagon, politicians, defence contractors, and large corporations that profit from, or contribute to war efforts. This episode begins by tracing the initial thread of thoughts which instigated Eisenhower's farewell address in 1961, starting with the powerful Defence Industrial Base. Subsequently the ideological origins of the MIC are considered by tracing it to the anti-war movement during the 1930s, later manifested as two theories the “Merchants Of Death” and the “War Economy” thesis. The development of the Military Industrial Complex is then charted as it fluctuated throughout the latter half of the 20th century; declining from the late 1980s and then rising at the beginning of the 2000s mainly because, the end of the Cold War saw profound changes in the international security environment. The episode continues by examining the growth of the MIC and also exploring various key components of the MIC. This includes the following areas; 1.) The influence of the mainstream corporate media. In particular, how in the modern era, of unbridled mergers and acquisitions, the power and influence of the new age of media, is strictly under the control, of a handful of conglomerated corporations, reflecting an oligarchic market structure. 2.) The “revolving door” referring to the back and forth exchange of top officials, between the government, the pentagon, and various companies which do business with both sectors. In particular, the movement of former government officials who join the defence industry as executives, lobbyists, or other positions raising issues of abuse of power. In addition there are highlighted examples of how the MIC was applied to the Iraq war in 2003. 3.) The influence of think tanks; 4. Big Tech companies such as Google and Facebook and how their market practices have exacerbated an already highly concentrated media industry. This analysis leads us to examine the implications, of the extreme consolidation of media power, as well as the crossover of Big Tech companies into areas of civilian surveillance as part of the vastly expanded and constantly changing Military Industrial Complex.
Throughout the course of history, military alliances have existed, to act either as a counter-balancing force or to repel a perceived threat. The origins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) stem from its members' perceived need to balance the rising power of the Soviet Union in the aftermath of World War II. It was initially created as a countervailing force to the Berlin Blockade and the threat of Communism aggression. After the end of Cold War hostilities in 1991, NATO needed to repurpose the Alliance, if it was to survive and stay relevant as a functioning organization. Initially, it expanded its responsibilities to peacekeeping and crisis management, until President Clinton proposed a Partnership for Peace (PfP), which laid the foundation for expanding the NATO alliance eastward, allowing NATO to readjust its scope for security, by pursuing an expansive concept of global, collective security. In the 21 century NATO was confronted by new global challenges and the Alliance adapted by transforming its military capability towards new military excursions. However in recent years the Alliance has been heavily criticized for being a Western foreign policy tool” in the guise of humanitarian expeditions, leading to controversy over NATO's ability to deliver on its state-craft solutions. Consequently one area which has been affected by NATO's military missions is the Russian Federation's sphere of influence, leading to a fundamental reform of Russia's relations with the western military alliance since the mid 2000s. In particular, NATO interventions in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Libya have forced Russia to rethink its security strategy and modernize its military capabilities. In this episode my aim will be to explain how major crises since the early 2000s have been shaped by NATO-Russia relations. The central theme argues that differences in NATO and Russian geopolitical discourses towards crises in Kosovo, Libya and Afghanistan have led to reciprocal disagreements resulting in negative relations with Russia. My objectives will be to: 1.) Outline and compare the concepts behind the relevant NATO and Russian geopolitical discourses in relation to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Libya 2.) To address the question; Why NATO intervened in the affairs of these three countries? 3.) Explain the consequences for their mutual relations and cooperation within the international arena. 4. How have the NATO military interventions affected relations with Russia after the Cold War? After examining the historical background of each of the three countries involved, I will examine the geopolitical discourses relevant to each crisis. In the final section, I will briefly review the short-term effectiveness of the two NATO bombing campaigns by reviewing the casualties and loss of life; whether the humanitarian goals such as (R2P) “responsibility to protect” were achieved. Also, whether the stated goals became de-prioritized, as unstated goals took greater precedence.
The Euromaidan protests which took place in Kiev between 2013-2014 focused international attention on Ukraine as a shining symbol of democratic values and reform, across Eastern Europe & Eurasia. Despite the country's significant democratic gains in recent years, one of the trends which has emerged since Maidan 2014, has been a parallel rise in the activity of radical ultra-nationalist groups. While far-right groups have existed in Ukraine since the 1920s, they now represent a sophisticated and politically influential element of society. Indeed, the Ukraine is far from being a paragon of democratic stability within Eastern Europe, as often portrayed by Western media accounts. For the first two and half decades of Ukrainian independence, far-right groups were marginalized elements of the socio-political process. However, the political landscape within the Ukraine has changed dramatically in a short space of time, due to the upheaval created by the events of Euromaidan. The main focus of this episode will be an examination of the ultra-nationalist movement which threatens the future development of Ukraine, due to its anti-democratic values; xenophobic propaganda and the use of intimidation and violence against political opponents. In particular, ultra-nationalist groups pose a threat to various minority populations, undermining their ability to exercise basic freedoms of expression and assembly. But more importantly, ultra-nationalist radicalism undermines the inclusiveness of society, which is fundamental to political and economic stability. This episode examines the main representatives of the Ukrainian ultra-nationalist scene since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In addition, I will consider the level of political influence wielded by far-right groups in Ukraine and then submit three key questions; What are the historical origins of nationalist identity in Ukraine? ; Why are the dividing lines between the Russian & Ukrainian worldviews so pronounced? ; What are the ideological origins of ultra-nationalism in Ukraine? Other areas to be examined are the broader influence of Fascism on Ukrainian nationalism, in particular the role of Ukrainian Nationalist organizations such as the UVO and OUN to bring “Ukrainian National Revolution” to fruition. This aimed to establish an independent Ukrainian state during the interwar period, to “liberate' Ukraine from domination by the second Polish republic and the authoritarianism of the Soviet Union, but eventually collaborated with Nazi Germany as a means to alter the status quo of Ukraine's geopolitical situation. In the final section, I examine the extent to which modern Ukrainian ultra-nationalism has inherited its identity by resurrecting the past; through the use of symbolism; its symbiotic relationship with para-military nationalism and also the glorification of Nazi collaborators.
Managing the damaged relations between Russia and the West have escalated new heights, due to the Ukraine invasion of February 24. The ongoing Ukraine conflict is invariably portrayed by Western powers and the political media establishment, as one of Russia being the sole aggressor. Deteriorating ties are also blamed on the authoritarian policies pursued by President Vladimir Putin. However, the West has played a significant role in eroding this relationship, ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 by ignoring Russian policy concerns and attempting to take advantage of Russian weakness during that critical period. Recent action by western powers, aimed at targeting Russia through economic sanctions, have not only created major problems for itself, such as a looming energy crisis but have made any diplomatic solution, to the ongoing military tragedy in Ukraine increasingly unlikely. This episode lifts the lid on the origins of the current Ukraine conflict by first visiting the source of the problem, the end of the Cold War; But also provides a detailed context behind the escalation of hostilities between Russia and the US. This critical juncture during 1989-1990 marked, not only the transformation of a new international system, but also the genesis of the Ukraine war. An important aspect of US policy towards Russia, in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, was its tacit aim to contain the new Russia and ensure it could not successfully re-impose its influence across Eastern Europe. This was primarily carried out through the eastern expansion policy of both NATO and the EU, with its desired aim of edging closer towards legitimate spheres of Russian influence. Initially, Moscow tolerated this process by focusing its efforts on gaining political acceptance by the West and integrating into its economic institutions but this policy eventually faced rebuttal, due to the emergence of Vladimir Putin at the turn of the century. Ultimately the US—Russia relationship is defined by a fundamental dilemma of security interests. To expand on this point, I introduce the viewpoints of two eminent scholars on Russia studies and international relations, who both argue that most of the blame for the Ukraine conflict, lies with the US and its European allies, citing Washington's policy of unilateralism, after the end of the Cold War and also its wholesale disregard of Russian national interests. I explain how the eastern expansion of NATO began, and the political rationale used to justify it, using Professor John Mearsheimer's theory of “offensive realism.” Also how, the Ukraine crisis was eventually kindled, using Mearsheimer's argument of the “West's triple approach” namely, NATO enlargement, EU expansion and Democracy promotion. In the final section, I provide an assessment of the internal vulnerabilities and geo-political perspectives which shape the dynamics of great powers, thus helping to explain the current Ukraine conflict.
When analyzing the Ukraine Crisis which stems from early February 2014, and has now been transformed into a full scale military conflict, it's important to understand the highly complex dynamics involved which have led to military confrontation between Russian and Ukrainian forces. These events have created a major flashpoint, reminiscent of cold war politics during the post war era. This nuanced situation in modern international relations is the result of interactions between various actors involved in this real life tragedy from NATO led Western powers, to state aggression between Ukraine & Russia, and also extending to various representatives of nationalist-separatism from the Lugansk and Donetsk Peoples Republics, both located in the historical Donbass region of Eastern Ukraine. Moreover, the Ukraine Crisis, which has been over-simplified by western media, as an ideological battle between democracy and autocracy or aggression and counter-aggression; is far from being a binary issue or indeed, the sole source of conflict between NATO and Russia. Clearly, the Ukraine crisis is now a global tragedy and humanitarian catastrophe, as evidenced by the thousands of people already killed; the mass displacement of refugees and emerging accounts of human outrage. So, how do we understand the armed conflict in Ukraine? and What are its implications for the country's future as an independent nation? There are several competing narratives to explain the armed conflict in Ukraine and I will briefly mention three, to place the ongoing conflict in some form of context. In this episode, my aim is to establish a common denominator of events which hopefully all sides would agree upon regarding the underlying causes of the current crisis in Ukraine. The starting point, is to consider that Ukraine as a nation has only existed since 1919, as a socialist republic under the former USSR, but it has been plagued with conflicting internal divisions ever since. These come in the form of cultural, linguistic, regional and ethnic divisions which are partly responsible for the country's struggling or failing democracy. I examine the major internal factors for this failure, including the absence of a binding and harmonious national ideology; the influence of Oligarchic elites; the issue of nationalism and also a fragmented political landscape. I discuss the main political events which led to the capitulation of power by President Victor Yanukovych in 2014, including the “Orange Revolution” of 2004 and The Maidan events in 2014. I also discuss the role of external actors such as the United States in actively influencing the outcome of the Maidan events. Also, the contentious issue of NATO's Eastward Expansion towards Russia's borders, as well as the role of the European Union (EU) and NATO. In the final section I examine the strategic implications of the Ukraine crisis by focusing on the wider geo-political context and key developments in international relations, such as
War zones since the early 2000s have challenged the core principles of modern journalism and prompted a reexamination of the role of war journalism during violent conflict. In recent years, the esteemed values within journalism such as objectivity and detachment which aimed to create a balanced coverage of victims and aggressors alike, have been downgraded by many media commentators This episode briefly explores the history of conflict coverage by focusing on two key aspects; The use of propaganda in war journalism and a more recent concept called embedded journalism. Embedded journalism refers to news reporters being attached to military units during armed conflicts. From the media perspective, the privileged access offered by embedding, creates a standard of openness in journalism, helping to appraise the public of military action in foreign wars. There is also a strong willingness by the military to maintain an embedded program because of the potential for garnering public support. Nevertheless, it remains completely subservient to the operational objectives of the military and thus its scope is narrowed. This has led to accusations of one-sided reporting because it concentrates on state and military matters. Since its full scale introduction in the 2003 Iraq war, the program has been dogged by questions of impartiality. How can a journalist who lives, travels and relies on military protection be claim to be unbiased in their reporting? which ultimately calls into question the reporter's objectivity. Warfare has a long history of requiring the backing of public support, and great effort is involved to shape public opinion and convince domestic populations to accept the actions of their governments in a given conflict. As such, the visual media's unique power of influence also makes them more likely to deploy propaganda techniques during military conflicts. Equally, warring parties resort to even greater effort to influence, steer, and control the distribution of visual images and journalist reporting at an international level. For the mass media, war by its very nature is highly newsworthy. War journalism attracts large audiences and engages people, very deeply at an emotional level. The media will often present conflicts as a win-lose scenario in which an idealized, positive ‘self' defeats the demonized, negative ‘other.' War journalists are trained to construct news in a simplified narrative form, based on their existing belief systems. Often this is manifested as the evil “un-democratic” antagonist facing off against the virtuous, democratic protagonist. This classic media framing technique is used to exploit cultural and psychological values of news audiences. How can we evaluate whether the public is truly benefiting from war journalism through the practice of embedded reporting? Because during conflict coverage, there is always an imbalance of shared information between the state and its public, meaning new audiences lose the most.
War zones since the early 2000s have challenged the core principles of modern journalism and prompted a reexamination of the role of war journalism during violent conflict. In recent years, the esteemed values within journalism such as objectivity and detachment which aimed to create a balanced coverage of victims and aggressors alike, have been downgraded by many media commentators This episode briefly explores the history of conflict coverage by focusing on two key aspects; The use of propaganda in war journalism and a more recent concept called embedded journalism. Embedded journalism refers to news reporters being attached to military units during armed conflicts. From the media perspective, the privileged access offered by embedding, creates a standard of openness in journalism, helping to appraise the public of military action in foreign wars. There is also a strong willingness by the military to maintain an embedded program because of the potential for garnering public support. Nevertheless, it remains completely subservient to the operational objectives of the military and thus its scope is narrowed. This has led to accusations of one-sided reporting because it concentrates on state and military matters. Since its full scale introduction in the 2003 Iraq war, the program has been dogged by questions of impartiality. How can a journalist who lives, travels and relies on military protection be claim to be unbiased in their reporting? which ultimately calls into question the reporter's objectivity. Warfare has a long history of requiring the backing of public support, and great effort is involved to shape public opinion and convince domestic populations to accept the actions of their governments in a given conflict. As such, the visual media's unique power of influence also makes them more likely to deploy propaganda techniques during military conflicts. Equally, warring parties resort to even greater effort to influence, steer, and control the distribution of visual images and journalist reporting at an international level. For the mass media, war by its very nature is highly newsworthy. War journalism attracts large audiences and engages people, very deeply at an emotional level. The media will often present conflicts as a win-lose scenario in which an idealized, positive ‘self' defeats the demonized, negative ‘other.' War journalists are trained to construct news in a simplified narrative form, based on their existing belief systems. Often this is manifested as the evil “un-democratic” antagonist facing off against the virtuous, democratic protagonist. This classic media framing technique is used to exploit cultural and psychological values of news audiences. How can we evaluate whether the public is truly benefiting from war journalism through the practice of embedded reporting? Because during conflict coverage, there is always an imbalance of shared information between the state and its public, meaning new audiences lose the most.
In recent decades the term “mass incarceration” has been closely associated with the disproportionate growth of the prison population in the United States. When we review what percentage of the US population is incarcerated, the figures reveal some staggering results. The United States represents only 5% of the global population, yet holds nearly 20% of the world's prison population, meaning that 1 in 5 incarcerated individuals in the world are from the United States. The issue of mass incarceration has gradually established itself within the vocabulary of mainstream political discourse in the United States and has become a widely contested issue. This is because it has a disproportionate effect on marginalized communities. In addition, the prison system is now heavily funded by capital from large private corporations, But, there is still a high cost to tax-payers. Furthermore, there has been an steady upscale in the operation of private prisons since the early 1980s, leading to intense scrutiny of the US criminal justice system arising from issues such as the use of poorly trained staff and widespread lobbying. This episode examines the dramatic changes in the American prison system that resulted from privatization and deregulation. Using the framework of neoliberalism this episode will focus on the important transformation that resulted in a dramatic increase in privatization of prisons. This rapid transformation first began during the 1970s and 1980s due to advocation that private companies could perform public tasks cheaper and more efficiently, using the framework of neoliberalism, an all encompassing ideology which favours individual responsibility based on market forces, as opposed to collective or state intervention. These rapid changes are a clear reminder that the large scale expansion of prisons in the United States, is merely one component of the neoliberal framework, referred to as the globalization of capital.
Student loan debt has become a social problem in many advanced countries, affecting the long term economic prospects of students. Total outstanding student debt in the United States amounts to $1.749 trillion dollars and the student loan market has now surpassed credit card loans and auto loans in the United States. One in every four adults in the US holds some form of federal student loan debt (the number among millennials is higher at one in three). The average public university student borrows around $30,000 dollars to attain a bachelor's degree Since the economic recession of 2008, there is widespread concern, regarding the unsustainability of the college educational system. In particular, the disproportionate level of student debt and uncertainties created from late home ownership and family starts, social mobility and potential lag effects to the economy. These problems have produced a fierce public debate in recent years, with many commentators openly questioning the relative worth of a university degree and the much vaunted “return on investment” argument. The higher education system has transformed from a publicly funded model to a publicly assisted model, and higher education is no longer considered to be a luxury, but a necessary requirement to achieve an adequate income. However, the imbalance of high tuition—high debt status sheds light on other worrying trends. For example as loans mature, a greater number of borrowers are making little or no payments. Also, certain borrowers are more affected by the debt crisis such as women, minorities and people of colour. This episode examines the underlying causes of the student debt crisis, such as the long-term disinvestment in public colleges and universities at state level. More importantly, how student debt has become “commodified” in the pursuit of sustainable profits in globalized financial markets. The “financialization” of student debt is almost never reported in the media and there is little public awareness that student loans are subsequently repackaged into a new financial asset. Furthermore there are other factors at work, which have contributed to the crisis in student indebtedness. The political ideology of neoliberalism has contributed to the decline in state funding to colleges and universities, and the four fold increase in tuition fees since the 1970s. Using the “students as commodities” model, student debt is now a tool of economic power in the neoliberal framework, creating a perpetual debt industry with profound social effects. Essentially, financing higher education via debt becomes a form of economic control and coercion, through late payment penalties and the use of debt collection. However to avoid the negative stigma of this financial reality, a cultural rhetoric is constructed to propagate the “golden ticket” of higher education, aimed at convincing students and their families that university is a social necessity to further individual welfare and the nation state.
In recent decades world events have witnessed an eruption of major protest movements, amid deepening social & political inequalities, exacerbated by ongoing COVID events. The 2010s have been described as the “Decade Of Protests” culminating in major civil unrest in 2020, together with an unprecedented wave of student protests. Many of these protests are lagged “ripple effects” caused by structural socio-economic changes linked to the global recession of 2008, in the form of austerity cuts. The ensuing dissent led to an extensive rise in social movements and consequently, various governments suppressed these actions by criminalizing political dissent. In this episode I aim to focus on the phenomenon of “advanced dissent” comprising, those individuals or groups, who have access to limited resources and power but, whose demands are framed as social-economic exclusion, or a form of political “dispossession.” Specifically, the “Freedom Convoy 2022” protests which took place in Ottawa, Canada. By using the paradigm of neoliberalism as a reference point, with its core ideology emphasizing the value of free market competition; I aim to show that the recent trucker protests in Ottawa were indeed a manifestation of “social dispossession” created by a deeply entrenched ideology, through which, the state and corporations maintain their dominant economic power. What began as a protest by Canadian truckers against ongoing COVID measures and vaccine mandates, morphed into a wider social movement, encompassing liberty, democracy and constitutional rights Following a brief description of the events, I explain the concepts of social protest and dissent which underpin the doctrine known as “criminalization of social protest.” The term ‘criminalization' represents a key weapon in the arsenal of neoliberalism, in preserving the dominant social order of elites in society. Neoliberalism is inherently designed to prevent and dismantle social protest and therefore marginalize political dissent. The principle of marginalization was clearly evident during the events of the “Freedom Convoy” I also provide two previous examples in recent Canadian history, which illustrate that the violence and intimidation present in Ottawa 2022 are part of an established trend of coercive, militarized policing which can be traced to the Canadian Anti-terrorism Act, following the 9/11 events. The criminalization of the “Freedom Convoy” was enacted via “depoliticization.” Essentially, transferring the (public) debate on vaccine mandates to the (private) domain of criminality. Hence, by re-framing political dissent as a “security” risk; Security becomes the default modality, taking precedence over liberty. This episode will be instructive for anyone interested in issues of civil liberty; the freedom to express one's political views; the basic right to tolerate dissent; and freedom of association and expression. All of which are considered guaranteed rights in any democratic society.
For decades, conspiracy theories (CTs) have featured prominently in the social climate of the United States, providing insightful solutions to complex questions; But despite their prevalence in the media, they continue to be shrouded by a veil of misrepresentation. Vast swathes of people have misinterpreted the sheer volume of CTs in circulation as evidence, pointing to a phenomenon known as the “age of conspiracism.” Consequently, people who propose or believe in CTs are stereotyped as members of a fringe minority, characterized by irrationality and extreme paranoia. These misguided assumptions convey a skewed image to the general population, regarding the nature and function of CTs. Hence, if supporters of CTs are linked to chaotic and delusional thinking; Why then, do so many people believe in them? The main focus for today's episode will be highlighting the role of power in the creation of a denigrating label to cast CT's in a negative light. The underlying concept behind this thinking is that, those holding power have clear motives to marginalize or even silence anyone who challenges the pillars of authority. This is especially pertinent where official interpretations of policy agenda are questioned, such as the rationale of unjust wars. Hence, proponents of CT's that reject the official version of major events, are in direct competition with powerful groups to control the authority and flow of knowledge. We show how influential authors, along with the CIA played a critical role in developing and propagating the conspiracy theory meme, by manipulating the semantics of the word “conspiracy” This was achieved by imbuing it with pathological deviancy using words such as “paranoid.” Consequently, the term conspiracy theory becomes a pejorative (or negative label) which serves to negate and shut down any form of critical thinking or open discussion.By labeling anyone that rejects the official accounts of major events as “Conspiracy Theorists”, they are marginalized to the periphery of social and political discourse and branded as the negative “other.” We begin with a theoretical foundation of how the “Conspiracy Theory Model” was constructed and developed and provide a working definition of CTs by asking; Who are conspiracy theorists? We provide a historical perspective of CTs, whilst challenging the prevailing view among media sources that conspiracy beliefs are “on the rise” in the digital era. We examine the two forms of academic debate which help explain; Why people are drawn to CTs and the pervasive nature of their appeal. Finally, we focus on the evolution of the negative CT label, by asking two key questions; How did CTs develop such powerful negative connotations? and What influence did powerful people and institutions play in their development? Finally we reveal the ultimate irony, which is that, CTs (as a hegemonic construction) encapsulate the viewpoints of the powerful by suppressing the ideas of the powerless.
In this episode we examine a unique type of reporting called investigative journalism, requiring unbridled courage, integrity and sacrifice from certain journalists to bring stories of major significance to public attention. In their role as watchdogs, investigative journalists play a crucial role in placing greater scrutiny on the abuses of power and influence. One of the most famous examples in recent memory includes “The Watergate Scandal” in 1972, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. However in this episode, we focus on the crusading work of one such journalist, Gary Webb and his subsequent demise at the hands of the established elites of his own industry. He was an award winning investigative journalist best known for his 1996 series of articles in the San Jose Mercury News, entitled “Dark Alliance-The Story behind the Crack Explosion.” Webb's expose revealed that the CIA helped to initiate America's crack cocaine epidemic in the early to mid 1980s. This elaborate scheme involved drug traffickers linked to the Contras (a CIA-backed guerrilla army in Nicaragua) who were plotting an attempted coup of the socialist Sandinista government. The proceeds of this illicit operation were used to fund the contras, while the imported cocaine worth millions of dollars were destined for the most impoverished cities in America. His series sparked public outrage, not only about the American government's role in drug trafficking, but also because low income black neighbourhoods, in the south-central area of Los Angeles were the prime targets. It made a mockery of the US government's highly celebrated “war on drugs” policy at home and abroad. We examine the mainstream media's initial disregard for the story, followed by the outright attack from the “Big Three” major dailies. Webb's story was discredited with allegations of shoddy reporting and poor editorial practices at the Mercury News. But even more damaging were accusations that “Dark Alliance” was nothing more than a conspiracy theory and the work of an irrational fantasist. Webb's series was also attacked for lighting the fuse on a widespread sentiment known as “Black Paranoia.” This referred to a federal conspiracy to undermine inner city Black-American neighbourhoods during the 1980s. Also of interest, is how the CIA manipulated its “productive relations” with the press, using its media assets to undermine “Dark Alliance.” We then outline the subsequent demise of Gary Webb, as a result of the shameful attack on his story and subsequent public humiliation. In the final section we explain how Webb's character assassination was enacted by “weaponizing” the journalistic profession via the concept of legitimacy and autonomy. This raises troubling questions about its legitimacy as a professional platform of discourse and the authority of its “moral badge” of ethics and protocols, which stem from the depth of its obsequiousness and unremitting pursuit of power and status.
In this episode we examine a unique type of reporting called investigative journalism, requiring unbridled courage, integrity and sacrifice from certain journalists to bring stories of major significance to public attention. In their role as watchdogs, investigative journalists play a crucial role in placing greater scrutiny on the abuses of power and influence. One of the most famous examples in recent memory includes “The Watergate Scandal” in 1972, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. However in this episode, we focus on the crusading work of one such journalist, Gary Webb and his subsequent demise at the hands of the established elites of his own industry. He was an award winning investigative journalist best known for his 1996 series of articles in the San Jose Mercury News, entitled “Dark Alliance-The Story behind the Crack Explosion.” Webb's expose revealed that the CIA helped to initiate America's crack cocaine epidemic in the early to mid 1980s. This elaborate scheme involved drug traffickers linked to the Contras (a CIA-backed guerrilla army in Nicaragua) who were plotting an attempted coup of the socialist Sandinista government. The proceeds of this illicit operation were used to fund the contras, while the imported cocaine worth millions of dollars were destined for the most impoverished cities in America. His series sparked public outrage, not only about the American government's role in drug trafficking, but also because low income black neighbourhoods, in the south-central area of Los Angeles were the prime targets. It made a mockery of the US government's highly celebrated “war on drugs” policy at home and abroad. We examine the mainstream media's initial disregard for the story, followed by the outright attack from the “Big Three” major dailies. Webb's story was discredited with allegations of shoddy reporting and poor editorial practices at the Mercury News. But even more damaging were accusations that “Dark Alliance” was nothing more than a conspiracy theory and the work of an irrational fantasist. Webb's series was also attacked for lighting the fuse on a widespread sentiment known as “Black Paranoia.” This referred to a federal conspiracy to undermine inner city Black-American neighbourhoods during the 1980s. Also of interest, is how the CIA manipulated its “productive relations” with the press, using its media assets to undermine “Dark Alliance.” We then outline the subsequent demise of Gary Webb, as a result of the shameful attack on his story and subsequent public humiliation. In the final section we explain how Webb's character assassination was enacted by “weaponizing” the journalistic profession via the concept of legitimacy and autonomy. This raises troubling questions about its legitimacy as a professional platform of discourse and the authority of its “moral badge” of ethics and protocols, which stem from the depth of its obsequiousness and unremitting pursuit of power and status.
Stoking the Fires of Urban Complex - Solitude's Journey and The Undead of Loneliness Modern lifestyles in the 21st century are unlike any other period in human history. Populations are living longer, urban centres are becoming denser and the ongoing expansion of the Internet has transformed how individuals communicate and interact with one another. Although modern societies are increasingly connected via digital platforms, a growing tide of loneliness appears to be on the rise through various forms of social isolation. According to a recent report entitled Loneliness in America (February 2021) 43% of young adults reported an increase in loneliness since the outbreak of the COVID events. More worryingly, over the past 50 years, loneliness has become increasingly widespread at a global level, especially in middle aged and older adults. In this episode, we distinguish between loneliness and solitude, explaining the major differences between the two experiences. Loneliness is a negative state where there is no given choice, leading to an individual “feeling alone” whereas, solitude is a voluntary state marked by a choice of “being alone” to spend time by one self. We ask key questions, such as; What Is loneliness? Who Is mainly affected? Why loneliness is bad for us? How it affects our health? And are we neglecting a part of our lives which leads to a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction? We the explore the concept of solitude and its relation to the modern world and discover there are overlapping lines between preferring solitude and choosing solitude and the boundaries often get blurred. In the final section, we explore the idea of modern society becoming a more lonelier place by analyzing solitude through the philosophical thought of Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau's time spent alone was not merely about self-sufficiency, it was about solitude and transcendence towards the divine in nature. By examining Thoreau's Masterpiece, Walden, we establish a contradiction between encountering the self (during solitude), as opposed to seeking company (during solitude). This draws parallels with modern society whereby, populations are living in closer contact, in the form of densely populated, urbanized communities. However paradoxically, our modern way of life (by its very design) isolates us from others, resulting in a growth of disparate communities which are drifting further apart, hence a rising trend of more people experiencing loneliness. Key factors influencing this trend include a slow decline in spatial communities and the influence of technology on social isolation. To conclude we argue that, market capitalism has purposefully created a state of loneliness through its complex and artificial capitalist economic system. This is the same system which continues to stoke an addiction to wealth and materialism, by making people work longer hours, thereby perpetuating the cycle of loneliness.
Log cabins are deeply rooted in regional folklore and history from around the world, evoking memories of an idyllic lifestyle and the intrigue of a forgotten past. Although, associated with rustic images of American frontier life, historically, log building has its roots in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Indeed, it is widely accepted that the Finns and the Swedes brought with them, the most developed knowledge of wood construction, as the majority of these immigrants settled along the banks of the Delaware River between 1860-1900. Log cabins were also symbolic of the spirit of the early settlers recognizing their hard work and humble beginnings. Moreover, the same traits of unassuming simplicity and a deep connection to nature were key factors in the success of another legendary outdoorsman by the name of Dick Proenneke. He took the ideas of personal endurance to the next level by settling in the icy wilderness of Alaska, and living there alone in a log cabin built by hand for 30 years. However his story is not one, of a man enduring hardship or struggling to survive against nature, it was quite the opposite. He pursued a simple lifestyle and lived in perfect harmony with his environment and what the land provided him. Dick Proenneke's remarkable story is one defined by fortitude and a willingness to adapt to nature and provides the perfect link with this episode's special guest, because he too was influenced at a young age, by the videography of “Alone in the Wilderness,” a documentary about the story of Proenneke's accomplishments as a skilled craftsman and keen conservationist. It was this account of Dick Proenneke which inspired our special guest to build a series of remote log cabins beginning with his move to Fairbanks, Alaska at the age of 21. Indeed, Kyle Helmberger is an outdoor innovator living his dream in the American wilderness and represents the new generation of self sufficiency advocate, pursuing a simpler and more meaningful life. In this interview he provides a fascinating account of his various log cabin builds and the adventurous spirit which planted the seeds for this incredible journey. We also focus on the deeper philosophical issues raised by remote living, by referencing the work of one of the foremost thinkers of American Literature, Henry David Thoreau and his seminal work, Walden. We explore issues such as: Self-reflection and the pursuit of one's identity; Piety & frugality; The rise of urbanization; The advance of industrial capitalism in America; Personal autonomy and productive capacity in the workplace; Solitude and Re-connection to nature. We conclude by celebrating the transfer of self-sufficiency skills and trail-blazing approach from one generation to the next. An ideal opportunity to reflect on the important philosophical ideals of cabin life, including; The relative nature of time; nature's perpetual cycles and a greater appreciation of beauty through simplicity.
Over the last two decades, tiny homes have taken up a firm place in the collective consciousness and despite no single definition, they generally refer to small buildings (less than 400 sq ft) where space is maximized to create a long-term residence. The wider tiny house movement has gained immense popularity among various demographic groups, and is underscored by a minimalist ethos that “less is more” utilizing formal design and architectural concepts. However the main assumption is that homeowners can increase affordability while reducing the impact of their environmental footprint. Proponents of the movement are keen to work alongside policy makers and planners to address a number of complimentary housing issues. For example, as a solution to a growing housing shortage and affordability crisis in large cities and conurbations on a global level. Also, as a temporary form of housing for frontline workers and to meet the demands of a rising digital workforce. Indeed the tiny house movement is not only gathering momentum but it's also confronting these challenges head on. Tiny homes have a small footprint but they offer a great deal to those people with an open mind; In particular, to adventurous homeowners, to investment property owners and to individuals looking for a simpler lifestyle or vacation. In this episode we invite Jennifer McCarthy, President and Founder of Teacup Tiny Homes based in Lethbridge, Alberta to explain various aspects of the operational side of her business. She discusses the plan models which her company designs and builds; How conforming to the latest building and efficiency codes produces a more sustainable Tiny House; How smaller spaces can be maximized to make them look and feel bigger, and her leadership insights regarding the Tiny Home Industry. We trace the origins of the tiny house movement from early thinkers and adopters such as Sarah Susanka and Jay Shafer, who both influenced the broader conversation about creating a better, more thought out space, emphasizing quality over quantity. We introduce fascinating research which confirms the growing trend of conventional houses getting bigger over the past five decades. New US homes today are 1,000 square feet larger than in 1973 and living space per person has nearly doubled. Interestingly, while houses are getting bigger, family size is getting smaller. We also cite a UCLA social science study reprinted in 2017 which highlights the effects of consumerism and material culture, explaining how empty space has been repurposed for storage use. But on a darker note, how consumer societies are drowning in a “culture of clutter.” In contrast, Tiny Homes offer homeowners the opportunity to value, quality of space over quantity of square footage. Clearly Tiny Homes are an alternative to traditional forms of housing by making us re-examine the underlying housing trends which have created undue societal pressure for decades but most importantly, how we view our quality of life
Nomadism is a centuries old way of life for people who choose not to live in one place but continuously move on a cyclical basis. Nomads are often romanticized in literature and art through narratives of transience and travel such as the ancient Greek epic, Homer's Odyssey or the exotic image of the nomadic Gypsy. Nomads are integral to human civilization because our ancestors once roamed the earth as hunter gatherers. This instinctive drive to begin new journeys forms the basis of today's episode as we examine nomads in the modern context, through a travelling community of “van dwellers” living in the United States. Van dwellers are part of a social movement of nomadic individuals who reject conformity in favour of minimalism, frugal living and a broad re-assessment of their life values. It represents a counter-cultural approach to living because instead of sinking money into homes, they choose to convert their vans into living spaces. Although this alternative lifestyle is a clear choice for those seeking adventure and liberation, regrettably many people are forced to lead it for monetary reasons. This underlying theme of economic necessity is closely linked to our special guest, Bob Wells. He is a leading exponent of the nomadic lifestyle and has become an inspirational figure to those individuals who have rejected the standard script of economic wealth and security for all. In this episode we explore how he began living on the road during the mid 1990s, after a devastating divorce left him in dire economic circumstances, and was unable to pay for his rent. By learning to save money and live rent-free in a box van, he slowly adapted and learned to embrace his life of mobile living and the new found freedom it afforded him. He offers practical advice on how to live a nomadic life through his website and YouTube channel, CheapRVLiving. But his main audience comes from a predominantly older community especially those facing the stark reality of financial hardship and homelessness. He has made it his life's mission to help and serve others who have reached an existential crisis in their lives. Bob also features in the multi-Oscar winning film Nomadland (2020), playing a fictionalized version of his own character as a real life nomad. He is also a vocal critic of the American Dream, believing it is out of touch with the harsh economic conditions lived by ordinary Americans. We also explore the darker themes of nomadic life such as grief, loss and emotional pain, which have been laid bare by the advance of American Capitalism. But despite more people abandoning the ever more ethereal American Ideal, Bob Well's message is one of hope and resilience because the nomad's story is underscored by a human will to survive. The ultimate belief that from darkness comes light, expressed as a rallying cry that, “the best times of your life” are still ahead.
We begin this episode with a short introduction on the Canadian born icon and musical legend Leonard Cohen. A truly towering figure in the realm of literature and song writing who brought clarity and insight to fans and critics alike. His artistic achievements are remarkable: Over the course of his life Cohen published twelve books, ten poetry collections; He released fourteen studio albums during a recording career which spanned five decades and was inducted into the Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 Cohen was also a definitive Americana artist, arguably writing some of his most influential music in a remote area of Nashville. The theme of Americana is closely linked to our special guest, Sue Moreno (Singer-Entertainer). Not only was Cohen, one of her earliest musical inspirations but she too has a solid grounding in Americana, which she established early in her career. She also incorporates a variety of other music styles to her repertoire such as country, gospel, jazz and vintage pop. We discuss the release of her new album, “The Memphis Soul Sessions–Songs of love and Faith” released on November 1 2021. It is a very personal record written on a deeply spiritual level, in which she shares her feelings about love and faith. The result is a statement album with an undeniable message, coming straight from the heart. Throughout the interview we use Leonard Cohen as a context to explore lyrical themes in her album, concerning love & faith, hope and despair, while analyzing overlapping life experiences from Cohen. We plot her journey since 2019, returning to the United States to record her new album, amidst a period of personal loss and crisis. We gain a better understanding of where she stands today as a recording artist and her view of this particular stage of her career. We explore the creative process of this unique, multi-talented artist drawing insights and comparisons from the legendary Cohen. We ask: whether creativity is a path shrouded in mystery, her thoughts on the process to achieve perfection and delve into the hidden concept of inspiration. We also venture untrodden paths regarding the contemporary era of the music industry which has changed fundamentally since the 2000's. The Internet has revolutionized the way we create and consume music. Indeed, it has created new power structures removing the control once held by major record labels and shifting it to the consumer. We discuss the inherent inequities created by powerful streaming platforms such as Spotify. Also, the rise of visually dominant platforms such as Instagram and Tik-Tok which are designed for instant gratification via captivating content. But most importantly the loss of touring and live events which represent an artist's biggest source of revenue due to Covid events. We conclude with the abiding message of Leonard Cohen that everything is essentially imperfect and new beginnings are achieved only by confronting the brokenness of things.
The Alchemist and His Apprentice -The Stagecraft of Mass Media Manipulation In this episode we focus on how the media is manipulated and controlled by governments, corporations and interest groups to further their respective causes. Media manipulation has been used since the early 20 Century in many war theatres by employing sophisticated techniques such as propaganda and perception management. In the modern context, propaganda is used to persuade the public of the merits of a particular course of action. For instance, in the case of questionable wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan, PR firms manipulated the media using standard techniques such as spreading disinformation in order to shape public opinion. We focus on the use of media as a tool of propaganda in the aftermath of the events of 9/11 and the during the second gulf war in Iraq. To this end the media is an essential conduit of information which, when used correctly, represents one of the most powerful weapons the government possesses at its disposal. By communicating messages to the wider population, the media's role is to imbue individuals with the patterns of behaviour to absorb them into the institutional structures of wider society. The emphasis on message control reflects the intertwining of journalism with the political order, creating an alliance between state-craft and stage-craft. Hence mass media clearly has a pervasive influence on contemporary society. We ask; Why is there is a lack of a critical depth in mainstream media? Or indeed why alternative views are rarely aired (unless there is a motive to ridicule them). Essentially because, media manipulation is related to wealth and power and the dominant elites use television networks and news journalism to maintain their hegemonic position in society. Finally we examine a manipulation technique, referred to by British author and researcher David Icke, as Problem – Reaction – Solution (PRS). Also known as order out of chaos it stems from the philosophical approach of Hegel's Dialectic consisting of an interchange of three stages of development. It involves going from Thesis to Antithesis reverting back again to Synthesis. We provide real life examples where this technique has been used throughout History, resulting in actions or legislation that would never have passed under normal circumstances, based on fear, chaos and disorder. Using this approach we draw parallels with the present Coronavirus, COVID-19 crisis, which appears to invoke the familiar blueprint of the PRS model.
The Alchemist and His Apprentice -The Stagecraft of Mass Media Manipulation In this episode we focus on how the media is manipulated and controlled by governments, corporations and interest groups to further their respective causes. Media manipulation has been used since the early 20 Century in many war theatres by employing sophisticated techniques such as propaganda and perception management. In the modern context, propaganda is used to persuade the public of the merits of a particular course of action. For instance, in the case of questionable wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan, PR firms manipulated the media using standard techniques such as spreading disinformation in order to shape public opinion. We focus on the use of media as a tool of propaganda in the aftermath of the events of 9/11 and the during the second gulf war in Iraq. To this end the media is an essential conduit of information which, when used correctly, represents one of the most powerful weapons the government possesses at its disposal. By communicating messages to the wider population, the media's role is to imbue individuals with the patterns of behaviour to absorb them into the institutional structures of wider society. The emphasis on message control reflects the intertwining of journalism with the political order, creating an alliance between state-craft and stage-craft. Hence mass media clearly has a pervasive influence on contemporary society. We ask; Why is there is a lack of a critical depth in mainstream media? Or indeed why alternative views are rarely aired (unless there is a motive to ridicule them). Essentially because, media manipulation is related to wealth and power and the dominant elites use television networks and news journalism to maintain their hegemonic position in society. Finally we examine a manipulation technique, referred to by British author and researcher David Icke, as Problem – Reaction – Solution (PRS). Also known as order out of chaos it stems from the philosophical approach of Hegel's Dialectic consisting of an interchange of three stages of development. It involves going from Thesis to Antithesis reverting back again to Synthesis. We provide real life examples where this technique has been used throughout History, resulting in actions or legislation that would never have passed under normal circumstances, based on fear, chaos and disorder. Using this approach we draw parallels with the present Coronavirus, COVID-19 crisis, which appears to invoke the familiar blueprint of the PRS model.
From the period 2001 to 2005, over a quarter of all countries in the world cooperated in a secret rendition network that enabled the transfer of potential terrorist suspects to undisclosed detention sites. As many as fifty four foreign governments participated in these operations in different ways including; hosting CIA prisons on their soil ; interrogation, torture & abuse of individuals ;Providing intelligence ;Permitting the use of domestic airspace and airports for secret flights to transport detainees. By engaging in torture and other abuses the US government not only violated domestic and international law but left its moral standing on the world stage, in ruins. Overall it eroded support for its counterterrorism efforts worldwide as these abuses came to light. Furthermore, foreign governments failed to protect detainees from secret detention and extraordinary rendition on their territories and the United States undermined longstanding human rights protection, enshrined in international law, including the norm against torture. However, long before it was revealed to the general public, the Clinton Whitehouse was already engaged in policies that amounted to extraordinary rendition. By the mid-1990s the Clinton administration was active in transporting suspects to third-party countries where they were interrogated, tortured and even executed. Under George W. Bush, the scope of the operation simply widened and the legal restraints were loosened, In this episode we detail how the CIA's ghoulish system of torture was indeed part of a logical progression which developed over time, into the well oiled machinery that we know today. Essentially an orchestrated procedure designed to outsource torture which was slowly being perfected since the early Cold War period (several decades before the events of 9/11). This is because under various administrations dating back to the early post war period, the clandestine forces of the United States were already engaged in taking suspects from one country to another where they were subjected to abuse and in some cases, execution. These procedures have led to unimaginable cruelties, physical and sexual, that were often horrific and barely effective. For most of its history, the United States has cultivated a self serving, virtuous image that torture was always something the enemy did. However this has proved to be a fabricated myth which resurfaces in cyclical fashion to convince each new generation of the sanctity of American values and ideals.
“Diana Events” refers to the story surrounding the death of Princess Diana in the early hours of 31 August 1997. In this episode we explore various aspects of the widespread mourning which followed her death, in particular the processes which gave rise to an overwhelming outpouring of public grief, both in Britain and globally. We explore the historical shifts in Western attitudes towards death and dying and the premise that western societies are indeed death-denying societies by entertaining the paradox of denial and revival of death. We tackle a range of issues in relation to public and private mourning, most notably suggesting that, far from being “united in grief,” popular attitudes were in fact deeply divided across a variety of themes. Further areas of examination include, whether the public mourning for Diana was a mediatized event and we consider the viewpoint of Diana as an icon and the loss of symbolic investment. Have we upheld a myth of compassion? Or a myth of violence?
Does having wealth make someone successful? To most people, success is measured through their visual senses via material possessions. Another view is that success is achieved through self-belief and determination. This requires reaching into one's innermost self for strength and courage to enable positive changes and personal achievement. In this episode we focus on the concepts of success and failure arguing that failure has an equally significant role in our experience, education and professional development as success, but only if we would only learn from it. It's a lens through which we analyze our flaws in an otherwise perfect image of existence. From a philosophical perspective, failure is important because it gives us the opportunity to see ourselves up-close. It's a lens through which we analyze our flaws in an otherwise perfect image of existence. Only failure can offer this insight because it mirrors the looming, existential threat which shadows our lives. For this reason, failure provides a realization that the world does not revolve around us, protecting our ego and arrogance. Instead it offers a sobering glimpse of humility to illuminate our existence.
The growth of incarceration rates in the United States have reached unprecedented levels since the 1970s giving rise to a broad range of commentary regarding its possible causes. Of equal importance are the consequences for those individuals imprisoned, their families, the wider communities and ultimately the implications for US society. In this episode we examine the main causes and consequences of high rates of incarceration in the United States. But more importantly, the transformation of the US criminal justice system, characterized by punitive policies and practices. However the rise of mass incarceration did not occur by accident. Instead it was spearheaded by new policy framework from the US justice system and political elites. This unique path was designed solely to ratchet up criminal justice sanctions and has disproportionately targeted poor and minority communities across the US. Ultimately rehabilitation has been abandoned in favour of deterrence and mass incarceration.
As one of the most complex, charismatic and controversial figures of our times, Robert F. Kennedy occupies a remarkable and paradoxical place in the American imagination. His admirers say he represented the last hope of revitalizing the liberal tradition while his detractors point to his personal ruthlessness, his total dedication to President John F. Kennedy's political career and his involvement with the McCarthy Committee. But who was Robert Kennedy? What kind of human being was he? How different was he from the myth that surrounded his name. Part of him was a visionary, a radical, a prophetic voice and ultimately, an astute politician. However there was a much deeper significance to RFK's life. He embodied the hopes and aspirations of the underclass; those suffering in pain, the silent, the destitute and the masses left behind by economic progress. In this episode we provide a memorable portrait of his enduring legacy; but more importantly, what kind of leader did America lose.
In this episode we provide a brief account of the day in 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. We focus on the Kennedy assassination discovering that doubt is often the root cause of conspiracy theory, based on human biases and enduring a traumatic experience. We explain how conspiracy theories become established due to a concept known as agency panic. We provide a brief account of November 22 starting with the infamous Zapruder film, which is the focus of debate between the official version of events and those of the so-called conspiracy theorists. The various interpretations of the Kennedy assassination reflect the shifting perceptions of the American people regarding their institutions and the role of government in their daily lives. Conspiracy theories provide believers with an emotional link between their slain President and the declining country he left behind. Or perhaps an effective lament for the disappearance of postwar American values and prosperity.
Mainstream media is able to shape news stories and mould opinion, to influence policy framework and the passing of legislation at a global level. It follows that national leaders of various political colours, who are able to mobilize the media can influence what their citizens see, how they think and also determine the way they act. In this episode we plot the rise of mass media from the early 20 century to the present day and explore the complex power relations between political & corporate elites and mass media. This leads us to the main topic of discussion which is media bias. What are the main types of media bias, what are its effects? And how exactly does it work? In the final section we will ask, Have we lost trust in the media? Or have the boundaries of trust always been transitory? If journalists are not our guides, have they become our great mislead-ers? Or have we simply adjusted to the sensationalism and scandal-mongering of a phenomenon known as yellow journalism.
In this episode we focus on the stark contrast in fate between two Olympic arch rivals in the 1988 Mens Olympic 100m final. The epic showdown between Ben Johnson & Carl Lewis brought mass media attention to the hidden problem of performance enhancing drugs (PED's) at the highest level of competitive sport. It was made famous for all the wrong reasons such as scandal, cheating and a probe into sporting ethics. However what is often forgotten is the human tragedy of Ben Johnson's story, as he returned to Canada labeled a drug cheat, a career in tatters and morally condemned by Canadian society In this episode we explore a brief history behind cheating in sports, the psychology behind cheating, a brief background to PED's, the ethics behind the debate and we examine the most common argument used to define drug use in sport, that it represents a form of cheating. It's true that History is always written by the winners and so it is, that abandoned heroes can also rewrite their legacies.
The COVID-19 crisis scenario is definitely the elephant in the room in terms of topical discussion and appears to be the only show in town devouring all media space and airtime. We have already witnessed signs of a structural breakdown in relation to the existing social fabric such as stress, anxiety depression as well as the impending threat of an economic downturn. However more worrying are the long term threats to wider society, catalyzed by recent events such as stay at home orders, lockdown, commercial and economic closure and curtailing of civic and social liberties.
Since the dawn of time, the vampire has evoked fascination among cultures as a dark and hideous creature preying on victims while striking fear and enthrallment into people. The legend of the vampire is a terrifying tale of a night-stalker which feeds on human blood and exists in the shadow world of the Undead, neither living or dead. Vampire fiction has captivated literary & cinematic audiences over the years, as early stories of this mythical creature evolved into more modern reflections and interpretations. However it was Bram Stoker's epoch defining image of the Vampiric aristocrat, Count Dracula which became the modern blueprint for all vampire myths In this episode we explore the cultural evolution of the vampire from ancient history and folklore to the modern perspective. We discuss reasons for the allure of vampires and uncover the latent social & political fears which underscore the concepts of vampirism such as gender, race, equality, world governance and global capitalism.
When we envisage Christmas it usually brings forth a host of romanticized thoughts in our mind such as decorations, trees or the nativity. This means participating in Pagan traditions that stretch back thousands of years, long before Christianity entered the equation. In this episode we explore the underlying structures which form the festival of Christmas and various issues which arise from its history. We suggest, Christmas occupies a less significant role in people's life due to displacement at community level, based on a culture of Americanized Christmas consumerism. We discuss the paradox effect of Christmas arguing it has become detached from tradition due to inherent contradictions within the contemporary theme of Christmas. We examine the early Roman influence on Christmas; the origins of many current traditions; Reinvention by the Victorians; American commercialization & materialism. Finally reversing the giving tradition instituted by its great brand ambassador, Santa Claus.
“Diana Events” refers to the story surrounding the death of Princess Diana in the early hours of 31 August 1997. In this episode we explore various aspects of the widespread mourning which followed her death, in particular the processes which gave rise to an overwhelming outpouring of public grief, both in Britain and globally. We explore the historical shifts in Western attitudes towards death and dying and the premise that western societies are indeed death-denying societies by entertaining the paradox of denial and revival of death. We tackle a range of issues in relation to public and private mourning, most notably suggesting that, far from being “united in grief,” popular attitudes were in fact deeply divided across a variety of themes. Further areas of examination include, whether the public mourning for Diana was a mediatized event and we consider the viewpoint of Diana as an icon and the loss of symbolic investment. Have we upheld a myth of compassion? Or a myth of violence?
In recent decades homelessness has become a stark reality for a growing number of people in Canada, despite the country ranking #1 country in the world for quality of life in 2020. Although housing is seen as a basic human right and requirement for good health, approximately 35,000 people remain homeless each night in Canada. Two major trends are largely responsible for this scenario since the mid-1980s; a growing shortage of affordable rental housing and a simultaneous rise in poverty. A federal policy of disinvestment in affordable housing and a long period of declining real wages has meant, no new rental units created in the last decade except condos being rented in the secondary market. In this episode we analyze the issue of homelessness from various perspectives; its origins, the causes, the most vulnerable groups and the myths & misconceptions. Toronto is facing a crisis in housing affordability and market aberrations mean there is a fine line between being housed and unhoused.
When remembering cultural icons of the 1960s, we think of Elvis Presley, JFK, Jackie Kennedy to name a few. The 1960s gave rise to popular culture in film and music which reflected the decade's social upheavals. This period influenced American society and culture, defining what we now understand as Americana. It was also a decade of revolution, protest and change in politics and society leaving an indelible mark on the American psyche. Indeed the city of Memphis is unique in music history because it's thought to be the birthplace of rhythm & blues helping to shape the genre of rock ‘n roll. In this episode we step into the world of Memphis soul with Sue Moreno, an international songwriter and performer embodying grace and style. She discusses her forthcoming album of which, I'm Here, is the first release. This ground breaking work touches the soul with her exotic, smoldering vocals and reverberates across audience bases currently experiencing deep uncertainty from recent global events.
Over the past few decades, condominiums have become a highly popular real estate choice in Toronto because of their modern amenities and a multitude of personalized facilities. Their ability to attract an upwardly mobile, urban client makes them an ideal choice for individuals wishing to locate in prime, downtown Toronto spots with easy access to transits and shopping centres. In this episode we examine the spatial transformation of Canada's largest housing market, Toronto. We review the policy framework that supported and regulated condo growth and explore the implications of continuous restructuring. In particular, the struggle with housing affordability and why Toronto has created little purpose-built rental housing over the past 40 years. Even more worrying, house prices have decoupled from income levels and are driven by access to capital which gives investors & speculators a clear advantage over average working Canadians. The question has now become, For Whom are we building?
The word empowerment refers to gaining freedom and power to do something, in relation to gender or the social/economic sphere. However we focus on its meaning of individual renewal in circumstances such as grief or loss. In particular, what does it mean to possess a voice? Is it a connection which links humanity? or a medium for directing self-compassion? Can self-advancement be derived from positive thinking, optimism and advocacy? We submit these questions to singer/song-writer Emme Lentino who faced life-altering personal loss early in her career. We explore her inspirational journey towards self empowerment and self healing. We discuss her new music and determination to project her lyrics of kindness, positivity and rays of light by creating human connections of hope and guidance with others in crisis. Her life motto “You are loved” has resonated with her global audience because of its captivating message that people need to be reminded they are loved. Join us, “In Conversation.
Since the dawn of time, the vampire has evoked fascination among cultures as a dark and hideous creature preying on victims while striking fear and enthrallment into people. The legend of the vampire is a terrifying tale of a night-stalker which feeds on human blood and exists in the shadow world of the Undead, neither living or dead. Vampire fiction has captivated literary & cinematic audiences over the years, as early stories of this mythical creature evolved into more modern reflections and interpretations. However it was Bram Stoker's epoch defining image of the Vampiric aristocrat, Count Dracula which became the modern blueprint for all vampire myths In this episode we explore the cultural evolution of the vampire from ancient history and folklore to the modern perspective. We discuss reasons for the allure of vampires and uncover the latent social & political fears which underscore the concepts of vampirism such as gender, race, equality, world governance and global capitalism.
Mainstream media is able to shape news stories and mould opinion, to influence policy framework and the passing of legislation at a global level. It follows that national leaders of various political colours, who are able to mobilize the media can influence what their citizens see, how they think and also determine the way they act. In this episode we plot the rise of mass media from the early 20 century to the present day and explore the complex power relations between political & corporate elites and mass media. This leads us to the main topic of discussion which is media bias. What are the main types of media bias, what are its effects? And how exactly does it work? In the final section we will ask, Have we lost trust in the media? Or have the boundaries of trust always been transitory? If journalists are not our guides, have they become our great mislead-ers? Or have we simply adjusted to the sensationalism and scandal-mongering of a phenomenon known as yellow journalism.
In this episode we explore the history and origins of Halloween, its rituals and customs such as carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating & fancy dress. We examine how it developed from a pagan event (Samhain) with Celtic spiritual tradition to the multi-billion dollar commercial juggernaut it represents today. We examine the psychology of fear behind Halloween and why so many people enjoy being frightened. Also, what are the reasons for people to act so out of character on Halloween. We delve into the deeper and often darker concepts behind the mask. How does it lead the loss of the self? We analyze the true image of our persona with its multiple identities by uncovering the blurred boundaries between life and death. Finally we consider the most disturbing aspects of the mask, a process called deindividuation. By donning masks & costumes, are we staring into an abyss of deviancy? What lies beneath a mask, a more sinister persona? Or a first step to stripping society of it's individuality.
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays in the United States, forming a time honoured tradition where families come together over a turkey feast and give thanks for all the blessings they've received over the past year. The innocuous story told to generations of Americans is of the bold, pioneering settlers welcoming indigenous people to a celebratory feast to honour a successful harvest in Plymouth Colony,1621. However this conventional account which is propagated each year has been fabricated from sketchy historical details and a softening of context for the purpose of political expediency. In this episode we explore two main aspects of Thanksgiving; the traditional myth with its glaring inaccuracies and also the duplicity surrounding the modern version in relation to consumerism. We ask, should we be thankful each day or revisit gratitude on an annual basis? Are we marking the changing equinox or have we regressed to a dehumanized spectacle of modern materialism?
In this episode we focus on the stark contrast in fate between two Olympic arch rivals in the 1988 Mens Olympic 100m final. The epic showdown between Ben Johnson & Carl Lewis brought mass media attention to the hidden problem of performance enhancing drugs (PED's) at the highest level of competitive sport. It was made famous for all the wrong reasons such as scandal, cheating and a probe into sporting ethics. However what is often forgotten is the human tragedy of Ben Johnson's story, as he returned to Canada labeled a drug cheat, a career in tatters and morally condemned by Canadian society In this episode we explore a brief history behind cheating in sports, the psychology behind cheating, a brief background to PED's, the ethics behind the debate and we examine the most common argument used to define drug use in sport, that it represents a form of cheating. It's true that History is always written by the winners and so it is, that abandoned heroes can also rewrite their legacies.
When remembering cultural icons of the 1960s, we think of Elvis Presley, JFK, Jackie Kennedy to name a few. The 1960s gave rise to popular culture in film and music which reflected the decade's social upheavals. This period influenced American society and culture, defining what we now understand as Americana. It was also a decade of revolution, protest and change in politics and society leaving an indelible mark on the American psyche. Indeed the city of Memphis is unique in music history because it's thought to be the birthplace of rhythm & blues helping to shape the genre of rock ‘n roll. In this episode we step into the world of Memphis soul with Sue Moreno, an international songwriter and performer embodying grace and style. She discusses her forthcoming album of which, I'm Here, is the first release. This ground breaking work touches the soul with her exotic, smoldering vocals and reverberates across audience bases currently experiencing deep uncertainty from recent global events.
Canada has one of the highest number of immigrant flows from various ethno-cultural backgrounds across the world. The consensus around Canada's immigration system has remained largely positive because immigration is viewed as beneficial to both the economy and society at large. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act is an ambitious piece of legislation which has not been repeated anywhere else in the world. It allows Canada to recognize different cultures by accepting cultural differences as part of a broad national identity. However commentators have challenged the notion that Canada is indeed a country of equal and peacefully coexisting communities by questioning the very foundations of Canadian diversity. In this episode we explore whether multicultural legislation does indeed represent equality and inclusivity. Or does it stem from a desire to manage and manipulate the concept of diversity for political purpose? We also examine whether real progress has been made in a post-colonial age.
In this episode we focus on the enduring and harrowing effects of social isolation. In today's world we are witnessing an unprecedented rise in people living alone. It represents one of the most important social changes of the millennial age. We explore the concepts of solitude and loneliness by focusing on a unique form of social isolation which originated in Japan known as Hikikomori. It appears that human contact is regressing because online interactions are “cheaper” and transitory, compared to qualitative or face to face contact. In local communities, people will go for days or weeks without seeing friends or family members. Social isolation erodes and damages our sense of humanity and the long term health and well being of society. Technological innovation has completely reshaped the way people interact with one another and the meanings they derive from such relationships. But in doing so, have we lost the battle for our communities, as they become ever more marginalized?
The unparalleled growth of social media platforms over the past decade has led to the rise of the “Influencer” within the marketing industry. They are public figures used by brands and marketing agencies to engage with target groups to gain social influence and build brand loyalty. We review the origins which gave rise to the influencer industry from a cultural perspective highlighting its complex and often checkered past. We examine how the meaning of social influence is constructed, not just as a series of events but as a commercial entity with economic value. How do marketers interpret the meaning of influence? and how do they project its commercial value across a socially charged digital world? We examine how social influence has become an economic asset, using the idea of “authenticity” as an analytic tool. In the digital era, authenticity is becoming difficult to define because the meaning of trust and influence as cultural ideals have become distorted due to rising consumerism.
Forgiveness is seen as unique mark of character and individual strength which when put into effect creates a sense of well being and improved emotional health in the long run. It's beneficial in protecting against negative psychological outcomes but regrettably misunderstandings still exist about forgiveness. This is because it's commonly mistaken as a sign of weakness and a tacit acceptance of offender dominance. But equally, the benefits of forgiveness are empowering for those who have been wronged because it avoids introspective thoughts of anger, hate and vengeance. On a broad level, forgiveness creates pathways to physical well-being and improved psychological health. In this episode we explore the reasons why victims should forgive and the benefits in doing so. We examine the origins of forgiveness, the various definitions and the ill effects of introspection and “un”-forgiveness on physiological health. Finally we ask, why do animals appear to be more forgiving than humans?
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