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Media Manipulation Wag The Dog

Wag the Dog is a political satire film that criticizes the manipulative practices of mass media and the exploitation of public opinion by political leaders. Through satire, the film shows how politics is presented as a form of entertainment and image-making rather than substance. It portrays the American public as easily seduced by propaganda and blindly accepting of the narratives presented by media and politicians. The film suggests society's naivety encourages greater manipulation, as people unquestioningly consume whatever information is provided to them.

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1K views1 page

Media Manipulation Wag The Dog

Wag the Dog is a political satire film that criticizes the manipulative practices of mass media and the exploitation of public opinion by political leaders. Through satire, the film shows how politics is presented as a form of entertainment and image-making rather than substance. It portrays the American public as easily seduced by propaganda and blindly accepting of the narratives presented by media and politicians. The film suggests society's naivety encourages greater manipulation, as people unquestioningly consume whatever information is provided to them.

Uploaded by

william
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Media Manipulation Wag the Dog

Why does a dog wag its tail? Because a dog is smarter than its tail. If the
tail were smarter, the tail would wag the dog.' Barry Levinson's film Wag
the Dog' thus begins with these opening credits, an early indication of a
dark socio-political satire that would unfold to criticise the vulturous mass
media and fickle public opinion, but most importantly, the abuse of power
by political leaders. Wag the Dog' also satirises the naivety of society and
how people's unquestioning absorption of propaganda only encourages he
media to exploit them on a higher level.
Through satire, the Wag the Dog enforces the jaded belief that politics is
merely the art of media manipulation, an image that intensifies when
Brean enlists the help of Stanley Motss, a Hollywood producer. Politics is
presented as a species of show business, and as opined by Motts, It's all a
change of wardrobe.' The audience watches Wag the Dog' incredulously,
inevitably recognising the parody of their own folly, as the American
public devours the created scenario and rises to the call of blind
patriotism. Wag the Dog' repeatedly exemplifies society's complete trust
in the imagery of media presented to them, and subsequently their
seduction by political propaganda. Soceitys blind acceptance of both the
media and politics is first established in the opening scene when Conrad
Brean is brought into quash the scandal surrounding the president

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