Finished Tu 7/5/11
This book proved to be a very disquieting or disturbing read. The author clearly made the point that knowledge is power, but it left me wondering exactly what he meant. Is it that once the facts are presented, then one can accurately ascertain the will of a population, or is it that once the facts are uncovered they can be enhanced and spun to control the attitudes of the people? Do focus groups and sociological research teach how society really operates, or do these studies merely provide those in power with new and more effective ways in which to bend the status quo to their will.
Dr. Luntz has a very novel interpretation of voters as 'consumers', and 'government' as product. And, also it would seem to follow that churches are really 'stores'.
The author's observations of the latest generation, Generation 2020, is really quite provocative. These young people are so radically different than their elders that all of the old rules and assumptions clearly no longer are viable. And, I think that he makes his point that if this nation is to grow and prosper, this is where the new challenges will be found. Not to herd these young people back into the fold, but in capturing the desires and aspirations of this new and emerging market.
However, I can't help but feel that Dr. Luntz's approach has no moral center, and he doesn't even seem to feel that it is necessary. You find out what the people want, and then you give it to them as quickly and cheaply as possible. Since any social issue has a variety of points of view, and there always exists a body of facts which support each and every position, then all solutions are equally viable. Therefore, Dr. Luntz could have paved the way for a more universal acceptance and understanding of civil rights, or he could have just as easily put forth and sold the views of the oppressors.
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