Friday, April 16, 2010

Sucker Populism

A hallmark of right-wing populism is a phenomenon know as Producerism:

Producerism is defined as:

"An ideology of populist economic nationalism which holds that the productive forces of society-the ordinary worker, the small businessman, and the entrepreneur, are being held back by parasitical elements at both the top and the bottom of the social structure." "In nativist rhetoric illegal immigrants are viewed as a threat to the prosperity of the middle class, a drain on social services, and a vanguard of globalization that threatens to destroy national identities and sovereignty."

These movements are all (throughout history) based upon the psychology of celebrity worship. These movements convince working-class people that these celebrities have their best interest at heart and are fighting for them. (See Sarah Palin, Rush, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, O'Reilly, and briefly Joe the Plumber) As usual, only the wealthy benefit and that is why they underwrite the movement.

Yesterday Fox News had to force Hannity off the air and would not let him broadcast from the Tea Bagger pouting party. He lied to the assembled crowd about a "family emergency" and quickly kowtowed to his corporate bosses at Fox. He was charging $20 bucks for tickets, was hocking his book and wanted to broadcast live. Hannity was going for the hat-trick to cash in on his celebrity, just like the former half governor who quit her job to cash in on her fame. All that is accomplished is having suckers line up, pay money, and make these celebrities rich.


2 Comments:

At April 17, 2010 at 12:10 AM , Blogger Let Freedom Ring said...

Matt:

Are you aware that Hannity has donated all his proceeds from his book to the Wounded Warrior Foundation? Are you aware of that Foundation? It's hard for me to understand how you on the left don't give credit where credit is do. All of Hannitys proceeds are going to the children of the brave men and women who have lost their lives in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan for their childrens college educations. How can you fault that!! Another thing I have a hard time understanding is this. Capitalism is what has made this country great. And know we have the greatest thing, capitalism being destroyed on a daily basis. I have a hard time understanding your logic. Love ya, Susan

 
At April 17, 2010 at 9:16 AM , Blogger dole2obama said...

Please give me one example of how capitalism is being destroyed on a daily basis.

P.S. Rush, Hannity, Palin and Glen Beck have never done better and are raking in millions a year......so I guess capitalism works for them.

 

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