Blog 2_Wk2_Manufacturing Consent

A visual effect present in the documentary “Manufacturing Consent” that contributes to our understanding of Chomsky’s “Propaganda Model” is the consistent “diverging” from the main story line (Chomsky speaking about his ideologies) to video clips of various topics. An important tool used by media agencies, according to Chomsky’s propaganda model, is a facet of the “indoctrination system”, Divergence, which serves to get the mass “away from things that matter”; to keep the masses involved with something of no importance. However, the “divergences” presented in the documentary are ironically used to increase its audiences experience and connection to Chomsky’s ideologies. For example, before touching on the “Divergence” facet of the indoctrination system a clip is shown of people comparing the percentage of ads to the percentage of news presented in the New York Times. While this clip does force the audience to focus on this clip, temporary disregarding Chomsky’s speeches, when combined with Chomsky’s statements after the clip our connection to his idea of “Divergence” is reinforced. Although Chomsky is using a common tool of the “Propaganda Model”, he uses it to actually bring attention to important topics he touches on instead of trying to occupy our attention away from the important topics.; he is encouraging trying to develop connections and deeper meanings instead of discouraging it.