Thanks for the explanation.

I guess my only question is: what keeps someone from creating databases of who responds this way or that to this or that category or topic?

Reddit and some others were just accused of handing over to DHS the information of users who had been critical of ICE. Whether that’s true or not, I can’t say (but I wouldn’t be surprised). Can I gather from what you’ve said that the DHS, or anyone really, has direct access to that information on the Fediverse and could create that database after an afternoon with ChatGPT?

2010s, OMG they were everywhere. It was just a thing. Veganism became super trendy and people hopped on the bandwagon. Now that it’s not cool anymore, most of them have hopped onto another bandwagon or have aged out of chasing trends altogether. But they’re always out there. Right now, I hear a lot about K-Pop, Formula 1, and… third places. That last one catches me off guard because I have a related degree and when I was in school the concept was relatively obscure, so it catches me off guard, but in a good way (I work in a museum which charges for entry).

Anyway, eventually enough pretentious attention-seekers hop on the bandwagon and annoy enough people that they become the subject of ridicule. They move to the next thing, and the OGs get to be the butt of the joke for a generation. It blows.

Excuse me but wtf?

Tarnhelm for Android. 👍🏻

I’ve never read the Parenti book. Thanks for the recommendation.

Pretty heartbreaking about Chomsky and Epstein. But, you’re right about Manufacturing Consent. Actually, Chomsky wasn’t much more than an editor. All of the key concepts and the methodology were Herman’s. Sure, the book wouldn’t have been so popular without Chomsky’s participation, but Herman could have written the book on his own, no question.

Like its title suggests, it delves into the ways in which popular consent is manufactured via the media (at the time - 1988 - mostly print, radio, and television). It’s thoroughly convincing and is that rare type of book that can discuss research without alienating casual readers. Highly recommended.

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I know it’s very, very cliche to mention Manufacturing Consent these days, but anyone who hasn’t read it really should get ahold of a copy and at least read the first 2 or 3 chapters.

You don’t say… I was sure he was going to admit to being a pedophile and child rapist.

Just goes to show ya, you can never be sure about these things.

This absolutely did not happen.