Blog 5 Wk_3_Visiting_Artist_Jesse_Drew

Marx's overall theme in "Communist Manifesto" is very similar to that of Chomsky's in his "Propaganda Model". The two ideas differ in context, but the general idea is the same. Marx argues that there is an upper class, the Bourgeoisie, ultimately controls the Proletariat working class. The economy is driven and influenced by the Bourgeoisie, and the Proletariats follow along. He argues that the working class does not really have power over the economy, or even their day to day choices.

Chomsky has a similar idea. He also believes that a higher group of people control the working class, but he believes that this higher class is the media. It is the same concept, because the people with the most money are driving the media and buying control over the working class. Chomsky thinks that the working class does not really have a voice when it comes to making decisions about the economy- the media instead shapes their opinions.

Both ideas reflect a wealthy group of people having control over the working class. What is also interesting about the two arguments is that they both depict the working class as the majority, and yet the wealthy class as the powerful. Marx gives an inspiring speech at the end of his piece, demanding that the Proletariats stand up for themselves and take control of their economy. Chomsky makes a similar request in "Manufacturing Consent". He feels that the media has no right to take over the lives of the working class. He feels that the media is manipulative and overbearing, and we must put an end to it.

Both authors think that by the working class needs to come together and turn the majority into the powerful. The economy should reflect the desires and ideas of the majority. In today's world, according to these two, it does not. They feel that our economy will drastically suffer if we do not change the hierarchy of our society.