Lunchtime Talking Point: Truth goggles. Imagine seeing the covered truth!

This week's 'suggested' prompt question:

Intro:

Recently, I delved into a thought-provoking lecture by philosopher Slavoj Zizek, where he references an intriguing film: John Carpenter's 'They Live' from 1988. In this film, the protagonist discovers sunglasses that reveal the hidden truths camouflaged in everyday representations. A simple billboard advertising a vacation, for instance, would urge the reader to love, procreate, spend money, and obey - all orchestrated by extraterrestrial beings or the wealthy elite. I can't help but draw parallels with holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, which often seem designed to capitalize on our sense of obligation.

Here's a snippet of the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFm7RaNAc3w and Zizkek's talk: https://youtu.be/_x0eyNkNpL0

Zizek isn't alone in advocating for these "truth goggles." Noam Chomsky proposes that media, primarily controlled by large corporations, primarily functions as a propaganda machine. Marshall McLuhan famously declared "the medium is the message," implying that the message is often manipulated by its medium, often to misdirect the public. Michel Foucault introduced the concept of governmentality, examining the use and misuse of power to shape societies and make them governable.

While these are simplified interpretations of complex theories posited by these scholars, the common thread is clear: power continues to shape and control the masses, often through covert messages embedded in things we assume we need or desire. Capitalism frequently underpins the motives behind such manipulation.

The danger lies in our failure to recognize these hidden messages. If we are blind to these subtexts, we become shaped according to the desires of those in power, a scenario that hardly bodes well for humanity. This brings us to the importance of critical thinking in deciphering the underlying meanings of these messages.

As Chomsky argued, being manipulated in such a manner often leads to 'manufactured consent.' This concept suggests that when we agree to something sold or suggested by powerful corporations or institutions, our consent is not truly voluntary. Instead, it's obtained through misleading representations and thus manufactured by these powerful entities. If this control truly benefitted all, we wouldn't see 1% of the population controlling 99% of the world's resources, nor would we witness poverty, marginalization, racism, or climate change.

To quote Zizek, "The paradox I see is that we’re treated more and more like free subjects: free choice, everything depends on us… But at the same time, we are more and more determined by economic and even military processes that are impenetrable. Agency is taken from us." (2019, Zizek).

Source: https://newint.org/features/2019/02/11/interview-Slavoj-Zizek and https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/01/20/264241052/oxfam-worlds-richest-1-percent-control-half-of-global-wealth

So, what's your perspective? Where would you like to use your truth goggles? What do you think they will reveal?

Rules:

This is a friendly discussion and debate on various issues - it's likely to be passionate. However, the first rule is that there is no attacking (or being rude) to the other person allowed. Deal with the argument, not attack the person making it. Mis-information, untruths, and racist and extremist nationalistic ideologies will not be allowed to the extent that it insults the participants. I understand there is a fine line between free speech (discussion) and moderating this, but, this is a private discussion group and I think most will understand this is an important mitigating tool to avoid harmful rhetoric.

Secondly, we do not discuss our personal backgrounds, education or other things - all we will know is our first names. This will allow the perception of the discussion and debate being on a level-playing-field - we are all, in any event, different and we can all learn from one another.

Thirdly, topic selection will be decided either by me (the moderator) or the group that day in a majority vote.

Finally, NO RECORDING allowed in any way. Note that you should absolutely NOT record our sessions in any way! There is no requirement for cameras to be on.

I look forward to meeting with you all.

Ali