Well, me too! When we used to study and discuss propaganda I always claimed that it was the subtle stuff that was seductive, infiltrated the mind and senses, and was thus dangerous. It’s come a long way since those heady 60’s. People like John Pilger have added to this category by illuminating the deliberate omission by mass media of crucial matters in favour of gossip and the use of press releases as basic news sources. Oh those lazy journalists! Get the copy in fast and head for the Press Club.
Often it’s a case of details getting more attention than the context. They seem to have more public appeal than those basic social and political structural flaws which lie behind them. Oh that lazy public! Feel informed without pondering the need for basic change.
There is an odd magazine published by Kalle Lasn, called Adbusters. Some years ago it published an article which begins…..
“A long time ago, without even realizing it, you were recruited into a cult. At some indeterminate moment, maybe when you were feeling particularly adrift or vulnerable, a cult member showed up and made a beautiful presentation. "I believe we have something to ease your pain." She made you feel welcome. You understood she was offering something to give your life meaning. She was wearing Nikes and a Planet
It’s worth reading. Of course once you get started you may want to continue to peel this infinite onion.
http://www.adbusters.org/home/
