Sheeple project: Best sources for enlightening the complacent?

[Nabia2004]

Help, a new acquaintance of mine is driving me crazy with her ignorance and then acceptance of the status quo. She is busy working three part time jobs and like many folks easily accepts the word of the MSM, While conflicted by the hypocrisy and apparent corruption in government she doesn't have time or the willingness to scan the Internet (she believes the ‘Internet is worthless’ for real news myth). There are times when she admits to being confused to the point of frustration, yet more often than not, she seems comfortable with her complacency.

The results of November 7th awoke something in my friend. This girl, who before would unknowingly recite every RNC talking point and rightwing lie, was excited with the prospects that the Democrats would come in and fix everything.

Well, it is less than a month from the election, and this gal is back to her old ways. The MSN's negative anti 'anything and anyone connected to the Democrats’ campaign is working.

To quote my casual acquaintance of a friend, "Look at the way the Democrats are fighting amongst themselves. All politicians are the same, Democrat or Republican. Bush is no worse than any other president. 9/11 was Clinton's fault," and then as if its a curiosity, points out that I must be one of those Bush haters.

This girl is not a Freeper, she only repeats what she learns from the MSM. However, she has only lived in this country five years, and while she has discovered that the roads are not paved in gold, a great many other myths still direct her. I should note, that the MSM in her country, the Philippines, apparently offers an abridged version of our conservative right wing news (She was under the impression that most people in the world hate Clinton, and based on the people she met since arriving in the USA, surprised to learn that most people like him).

I believe this girl is ready to learn. I have tried to explain the workings of the MSM, the corruption, the BFEE, etc., but I suspect my words fall on deaf ears. I'm too animated and hot-blooded. Since Christmas is near, I thought I would approach her with media, a gift of a book, a documentary DVD, or magazine subscription.

What are some good suggestions? It can't be hardcore, the material needs to be on the introductory level.

Thank you.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

1. You believe she's ready to learn, yet you call her a "sheeple."

Nice one.

[Clark2008]

2. Try this one:

Cable News Confidential: My Misadventures in Corporate Media

At least it would make her understand how bad our media is - AND introduce her to Jim Hightower (he wrote the forward).

[Nabia2004]

8. thanks, I'm a Jim Hightower fan...

"Cable News Confidential" is high on my list, and thanks to your tip I found Amy Goodman's new book "Static: Government Liars, Media Cheerleaders, and the People Who Fight Back."

[The Magistrate]

3. Clearing Your Mind Of The Usage 'Sheeple', Ma'am, Is The Best First Step

It will ease communication greatly....

[Nabia2004]

9. Sorry

but not until Bush and his administration are behind bars. I'll find another means to ease and improve communication, thank you.

Now, perhaps you have a book, documentary DVD, or magazine to recommend?

Have a good day.

:)




A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves.- Bertrand de Juvenal

[NMDemDist2]

4. Al Franken's books or Molly Ivins

both are full of info and fast easy reads and funny too!

[Perky]

5. The Audacity of Hope

[Mabus]

6. First off, you need to tell her

that the Democrats are discussing things among themselves. Remind her that we're a big tent and the newly elected Democratic members represent a spectrum of views. Rather than let their party decide things from the top down, Dems have the courage to float ideas and debate about their leadership. They don't play follow the leader like the Republicans did. And don't forget to point out that the Republican leadership has remained stagnant despite an overwhelming defeat. It is like they keep following the same failed ideas. In other words, fill her head with new memes.

My sugggestion would be to get her a copy of "Outfoxed" to watch. It is real eye-opener for newbies. If you get her a subscription, I'd go for The American Prospect. As for a book, I'd consider getting her "Blinded by the Right" by David Brock.

[Nabia2004]

15. How does the American Prospect compare to The Nation?

[Mabus]

17. I like it better

I finally gave up on The Nation after this article, Calling Air America, by Nichols von Hoffman (http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20050523&s=vonhoffman) appeared. von Hoffman was disingenious on several points. For instance, he coyly remarks that "As of this writing Air America is still not yet back on the air in Chicago..." knowing, according to a LTTE by the person he interviewed that was published in a following issue, that on or about the date the article was published that Air America would be on the air in Chicago. If that's the level they will allow their authors to stoop to to make a point, I don't need it.

[Hubert Flottz]

7. Layoff slips and eviction notices will work...

$4.00 a gallon gas $1,000 a month heating bills and the draft might too.

[Nabia2004]

12. I suspect she would almost consider that the norm

In the five years since moving here, it has been steady prices increases and a never ending search for employment. She admits life here is much more difficult than she ever imagined.

[orleans]

10. the dvd "why we fight" -- it's up on amazon for fifteen bucks

you can google video it and watch it on line

but the special features on the dvd is great too. plus, the hero of the movie is pres. eisenhower--a republican--because he warned us of the "military industrial complex"

i just watched it a second time tonight with my daughter. it doesn't make democrats out to be angels either (not much in it with dems) but it shows what LIARS and FRAUDS the fuckhead administration really is and how they totally screwed us with the iraq war.

even if you don't get it for her, i highly recommend you watch it.

[LunaC]

11. Getting started for free

Visit the link in my sig line and print out a copy. That ought to open up the discussion for all that's followed.

[Nabia2004]

13. ok, but...

I must be slow this morning, what sig line?

:)

[wildbilln864]

14. His PNAC line...

Everyone must be made aware of the PNAC cabal! They are the reason we're in this mess!
Look here too!

[LunaC]

16. Go here

PNAC 101 - Rise of the Neocons
http://demopedia.democraticunderground.com/index.php?title=PNAC_101

[Nabia2004]

18. Excellent, a printable copy too!

I was contemplating how I could get my friend to read the time-line and then found the print link, perfect. Thank you.

[Nabia2004]

19. Ok, I did some shopping, 4 books and 1 DVD

This was more difficult than I expected. There are so many books and other sources of material that I found myself overwhelmed, I wanted everything. Which on my penny pinching budget is totally impossible. However, after finding what the independent merchants at Amazon have to offer with their surplus discount pricing, I am encouraged.

I haven't read any of these books yet, the "Timeline" is for me. It looks like a must have. I ended up buying gifts for three of my friends.

From Amazon direct.

$13.57 The Terror Timeline: Year by Year, Day by Day, Minute by Minute: A Comprehensive Chronicle of the Road to 9/11--and America's Response. By: Paul Thompson

$10.61 Cable News Confidential: My Misadventures in Corporate Media. By: Jeff Cohen, Jim Hightower (Foreword)


From the Amazon Merchants. New books, prices include shipping (good deal, eh?).

$5.49 Big Lies: The Right-Wing Propaganda Machine and How It Distorts the Truth, 2003 (Hardcover) by Joe Conason

$4.88 What Liberal Media? The Truth About Bias and the News, 2003 (Hardcover) by Eric Alterman

Being older books, I am sure I could find these at the Halfprice book store, but I am finding that I really appreciate the convenience and selection of shopping online.

I already have the documentary DVDs "Outfoxed" and "9/11 Press for Truth" which I will loan to my friend or perhaps invite her over for movie night.

Oh, and for my personal relaxation, the 1965 comedy classic:

$7.97 DVD Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines

Thank you all for your input!

:hi: