Assignment 2
Documentary: Manufacturing Consent
Below is the first segment of Manufacturing Consent, thanks to YouTube! When the first segment ends, click on part two (2 of 9) and the remaining parts, until you finish the documentary. Why are you watching? Keeping the following questions in mind while you watch will help you focus your listening. Take notes and respond to the following questions using examples from Chomsky’s documentary Manufacturing Consent, for you will be expected to hand in your answers.

After deciding for yourself what the term “manufacturing consent” means, agree or disagree that this technique is being used by media and governments in America. Use clear, concrete examples to reinforce your claims.
Can a society be “democratic” in which consent is being manufactured?
Are such “illusions” necessary as Chomsky claims? Provide a clear rationale for your opinions by discussing how illusions are created in media and deciding whether the public really has to live with such misrepresentation.
Provide a clear example of a conspiracy theory. Why would networks air such theories when the evidence to support such theories is often minimal or missing entirely?
Comment on the extent to which you believe media manipulate public opinion. Many of Chomsky’s claims were made before the Internet became really popular. Do viewers have more or less autonomy as a result of the Internet and tools such as those available through social media?
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJuqoDvyXOk&bpctr=1468959350

Part A

In your best prose, write your answers to the above questions using examples from Chomsky’s documentary Manufacturing Consent. Your responses to all five questions should not exceed two pages in length (approximately 500-750 words), double-spaced. You can include the questions in your text.

Part B

Write a one page, double-spaced reflection on Manufacturing Consent. Comment on your personal feelings after watching the documentary. Do you have any unanswered questions? How did the documentary change the way you view the news media around you?