4 Matching Annotations
  1. Feb 2023
    1. The national television networks should be monitored in the same way that textbooks should be kept under constant surveillance.

      It is interesting to think about how this debate over the regulation of modern masa media has evolved today. It is still very relevant because, as mentioned in Jowett's article, technological devices (ie phone, tv, etc) are often gatekeepers of communication, just as a book may be. As a result, they play a large role in the public's consumption of information, and thus, the development of their perspectives. This also relates to fake news because a similar debate is had over the regulation of media content in this context.

    2. Relationship to Freedom

      This section title reemphasizes the feeling of patriotism through the word "freedom" which is commonly associated with American ideals. This brings the readers attention to the impact personal liberties in the United States, thus appealing more heavily to their personal interests. By doing this near the end of the memo, the author regroups the reader's focus before the conclusion.

    3. A chilling description of what is being taught on many of our campuses

      This section on what is being taught in colleges reminds me of Jowett's reading on propaganda and persuasion which touches on the idea that "propaganda" and "education" are interchangeable (36). Both instances think of how educational practices shape the ideals values by their students. The word "chilling" implements a fearful tone into the ideas that follow, perhaps suggesting that they are propagandistic.

    4. Also, there always have been critics of the system, whose criticism has been wholesome and constructive so long as the objective was to improve rather than to subvert or destroy.

      By writing this sentence after the preceding one, the author positions the adjectives "wholesome" and "constructive" in opposition with socialism and communism. This is emphasized by the phrase "rather to subvert or destroy" which characterizes these ideologies as negative and harmful. In conjunction with the previous paragraph, the author is describing communism and socialism as "anti-American." Similar to the comment on the use of the word "American", this subtle and indirect association can subconsciously impact readers' perceptions of these ideologies. This is particularly significant when considering the historical context of the time (Cold War).