Customer Reviews

Noam Chomsky - Distorted Morality: America's War on Terror?

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

"Distorted Morality" consists of a "talk" Noam Chomsky gave at Harvard a couple of years ago and a series of question and answer sessions that took place at MIT. Chomsky, if you aren't familiar with him, is a linguistics professor at MIT who sidelines as a critic of American foreign policy. He's considered one of the brightest linguistic theorists in the world, a man who formulated a theory about language several decades ago that's still talked about today. It's sad to say, but the general public probably won't remember him for his scholarly work. Chomsky has written dozens of books about the scurrilous behavior of our elected officials and their actions taken against foreign nations, from the Vietnam War to activities in East Timor to the current war on terrorism. He attacks the media for serving as an instrument of American hegemony. One day, Chomsky hopes to replace capitalism with a system of government referred to as anarcho-syndicalism. He also unwaveringly supports the United Nations and the World Court, hoping that the United States will toss its sovereignty aside and merge with those two international bodies. I didn't get all of this detail from "Distorted Morality," but from another, longer DVD about Chomsky's background and intellectual underpinnings called "Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media."

Chomsky's lecture at Harvard-which he calls a "talk" because it sounds more informal-deals with the Bush administration's efforts to combat international terrorism. Beginning with a premise about terrorism taken from an old American military handbook, he attempts to prove that a war on terrorism is an impossibility, an illogical idea completely inconsistent with our nation's prior actions in Central America and the Middle East. The United States consistently supports and works closely with terroristic regimes, argues the professor, which means that we are in fact and in action a terroristic regime. A war on terrorism, therefore, would mean that we must fight ourselves. Chomsky doesn't go so far as to condone the September 11, 2001 nightmare; he accepts that it is a horrific incident worthy of retaliation, but he wants the United States to do so through the umbrella of the United Nations and the World Court. The lecture only runs for an hour or so. The question and answer session at MIT covers a whole host of foreign policy issues-guerilla warfare, 9/11-with some of the answers from Chomsky varying from a few sentences to five minutes or more.

Noam Chomsky is an acquired taste. While I disagree strenuously with him concerning American involvement in the UN and the World Court, I usually agree with many of the issues he raises about our foreign relations. I'm more at home with him when he attacks the concentrated media systems in the United States and calls for a breakup of the big corporations that control what we see and hear. Critics routinely blast Chomsky by labeling him as either pro-communist or a literal communist. Well, he's not, but tossing a label like this one around obscures many of the pertinent issues he raises. America has acted to support tyrants in the past. American companies have exploited third world countries and citizens of those countries (Nike and the United Fruit Company, anyone?). A nation cannot indulge in exploitative practices for decades and expect there won't be reprisals.

Here's a good question that Chomsky would probably love-and one that ties into the lecture he gives on this disc: why, when we expelled the Taliban from Afghanistan and still have troops on the ground over there, are the poppy fields pumping out raw opium as never before? The heroin derived from those fields ends up in the United States, does it not? Why don't we stop it? Perhaps the government wants a certain segment of the American population to use narcotics because it's easier to control a docile citizenry. Too, it allows the federal government to continue to wage yet another one of their great wars, the ever reliable "War on Drugs." I just can't believe our government didn't shut down those poppy fields. Doing so could save thousands, if not tens of thousands, of our citizens from a life of addiction, despair, and death. While you don't hear the media raising issues such as this one, you will here people like Noam Chomsky asking about it. For that, I do respect his insights and ability to increase awareness.

"Distorted Morality" isn't the best available information on Chomsky floating around. In fact, I found the lecture and Q&A on this disc a little dry. I keep planning on checking out a few of his books so I can get a better take on the man. While I find some of his solutions to our problems unacceptable, the questions he asks and the issues he raises continue to challenge what our government is doing and the reasons behind it.

Noam Chomsky is one of the most important living Americans, if for no other reason that the media and the intellectual public's total refusal to engage him in debate on any of the issues he brings up make it clear how fragile our democracy has once again become. Better to silence, ridicule him and question his patriotism than to deal with the factual nature of what he brings to light? In a dictatorship maybe!

This DVD is actually my introduction to him, regarding hearing him speak. Without going too far in the direction of being too linguistically intellectual, or too far in the other of being self-righteously rhetorical, Chomsky proves for any person willing to think (and not just feel emotions the corporate media has expressly designed to make us feel) that a war on terror could not possibly exist. He brings to light foreign policy facts that show Terrorism as a modern political tool of ALL nations today, with smaller nations and dictatorships having in actuality less effect on the world stage with terrorism (despite the press they receive in developed countries leading one to believe otherwise) than the far more deadly and effective examples of terrorism practiced by, well, us. Chomsky, in his intellectual but raw, Sagittarian tell-it like-it-is way, does not demand anti-Americanism, or an insurrection, or even civil disobedience with this lecture to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. His spelling out of not just facts of the structure of language, but facts of current events and recent history reveals the moral vacuum in our present day world; a vacuum that, just like nature's abhorrence of a true vacuum, is abhored by the hearts of good people from whom true knowledge and information has been kept--which is most of America and the world. A vacuum that can only be filled with a sober, rational, moral maturity, when it comes to political perspectives, foreign policy and the secret motivational impulses and agendas of our quasi-democratic nations.

This DVD comes with subtitles, despite the fact that he is speaking in English. This can be distracting at times, because they are not 100% accurate regarding actual words spoken nor the spontaneity with which Chomsky, like with any speaker, uses one word or phrase incorrectly and then corrects himself while in the middle of another sentence. A helpful section is where the question and answer session after the lecture is broken up into sections on the DVD, just like various scenes on a movie--though here again, I would have preferred to be able to simply run the entire thing and here the questions as they were being asked. Just the same, these small issues of DVD construction will not take away from the power of Chomsky's message, or his presence.

It is really odd: Einstein's political views were extraordinarily progressive and gave most believers in a capitalist democracy, as well as communists, a moment of pause whenever he publicly shared them to say the least. But he was not silenced for these views, even back in the 40's and 50's; he was even asked to be the Prime Minister of the State of Israel by the Israelis. He was Einstein! Noam Chomsky has had the well deserved title of being the Einstein of the science of Linguistics practically since the late 50's--a title not even given to Nietzsche, a professor of linguistics (then called philology) while he was writing his philosophy... and yet here, in the 21st century, his so-called political views (as opposed to what they really are: again, moral perspectives) make it impossible for him to ever be seen or read on 60 minutes? Dateline? CNBC? CNN? Good Morning America? The New York Times? If he is so wrong, why won't his name ever be mentioned in the media, even as an adjective, let alone him being confronted in front of the nation to prove it?

A disc worth having.

-Just a note: Get the newer eight dollar version!-
After reading several of the reviews it became apparent that I should write one. There are flaws I see with some of the reviews written, I will address them after a quick summary, and cost/benefit analysis.

If you haven't heard of Chomsky, read any of his books or seen/heard any of his appearances, this probably isn't for you. I point you to Manufacturing Consent (the quintessential Chomsky DVD about American Culture, media, indoctrination, etc).

Whether or not you like Chomsky, this is a good DVD. I'm not going to summarize, (it's already been done), but for the price, this is a good deal. Whether you plan to write a paper on or just want to hear about the state sponsored international terror, hypocrisy, and moral issues in America's past and present; and the future implications of them. For eight dollars this is a great buy.

The Q&A portion of the extras, with fifteen questions, is alone worth the cost. The Q&A is an hour, with questions from both, people attending at Kennedy School of Govt. (Harvard), and people at MIT. They ask poignant questions with inspired responses from Noam.

Now to address comments by reviewers:
If you can't handle watching something without constant cuts, mind numbing music and lots of Hollywood glitz: this isn't for you. If you can't handle C-SPAN or a college lecture, this isn't for you. If you like Chomsky, and are willing to watch something that isn't the slightest bit reminiscent of the MTV beach house(like ... uh... what's it called? a documentary!) then check this out.

Most people outside of college and the scholarly community are unaware of, or don't think about many of the points Chomsky argues in his books, lectures and public appearances. For that reason many people will dismiss what Prof. Chomsky says outright; however, if you are open to things that go against the "general American consensus": then take a look at this. This DVD looks at some of America's past and present forays in international terrorism. Chomsky presents many well documented facts, he demonstrates his sources, and makes a statement similar to, "check it out and make up your own mind." That's exactly what I suggest you do.

I suggest you weigh the pros/cons and see if you think this is worth it. In my opinion, for this amount, this can be a great addition to anyone's collection of doc's.
-Just a note: Get the newer eight dollar version!-

It is true that Chomsky spends a great deal of time criticizing his own country and relatively little criticizing other countries. He is even kind enough to tell us why: Because, as a citizen of the USA, it is simply more sensible, efficient and responsible for him to focus his efforts there. As a voter and a public personality, he can make a difference in the US, much more so than in other countries. He believes, in short, that criticism, like charity, begins at home. In no way does he excuse the oppressive governments of other countries. He does force the realization, however, that we simply DO NOT KNOW if those governments would have ended up being oppressive in the absence of American foreign policy atrocities, because, in fact, many of them were never given the chance.
At the very least, Chomsky's work can help us to "de-brainwash" ourselves. We may not end up agreeing with him (I disagree with his viewpoint on the Second Amendment, for example), but at least we will be thinking 'outside the box', for a short time, anyway. And it is always good to do that as it leads to further insights. This is the way society evolves.
Five stars for the always thought-provoking Mr. Chomsky. Don't be afraid to think afresh, people. Buy it now.

This is Chomsky doing what he does best -- cutting through mindless flag-waving, leader-worshiping "patriotism" and getting at the truth about the powers that be. This edition is a good inexpensive version, but, if you're willing to spend more, look for the AK Press edition, which has everything on this version, plus an additional talk on the new American imperialism. And, by the way, Chomsky really does "mean it." Of ccourse he doesn't have a rabid talk-show ranting style to his speech and writing -- he's an academic who writes and speaks as one and lays out his arguments in that fashion. (By the way, if you find Chomsky hard to penetrate, try Howard Zinn, who has an extremely easy-to-understand style.) And, take it from this anarchist, Chomsky DOES get me fired up and ready to scream. He doesn't have to rant like a madman to do it, though -- all he needs to do is provide the information and make his arguments.

Despite what people may say, I would never call Chomsky a liberal. He critizies all Americans, not just the "conservatives and liberals", because he knows that despite these labels, they have most of the same or similar positions. Call him radical liberal or anti-American, but none of these labels can fit Chomsky. Call him a distorter and a liar, but truth is he presents all his resources up front (unlike the mass media in America), so that you can interpet it all for yourself. He never says, "this is the truth, now believe me." He says, "here is the truth, its your choice to believe them or not." If you have read any of Chomsky's books (not just the ones on politics, but also his ones on language) you'll see that Chomsky is thorough and precise. You can chose to believe that Chomsky is a liar, but everyone should at least try watching this DVD. There really are alternate views and opinions out there besides what the mass media provides.

I found it a bit difficult to follow this lecture by Professor Chomsky. It required that I pay close attention and concentrate on what he says ... he is extremely understated in his speech so if you don't take your time and listen you could miss out on the point he is trying to make.

However, when you take the time, Professor Chomsky's lectures blow you away in their simplicity and accuracy. You could possibly see yourself as mentally inept while you ask yourself, "my god, that is so simple ... why didn't I see or think of that?" He really is that good/brilliant.

Well thought out lecture by Professor Chomsky that really packs a punch and doesn't mince words. He cleary respects his audience's intelligence and you can learn a lot from this man.

I have read some the reviews that criticize Chomsky as being some kind of nutcase. This man is one of the most important intellectuals alive today.

I notice the reviewers have to resort to personal attacks on Chomsky, as they are unable to convincingly attack his work. I doubt whether they have either read his work or watched these documentaries, if they have then they are simply in denial.

I do not see anyone saying "oh he got this bit wrong because..." and that is precisely because this man is clued up about the reality of society, American foreign policy and life. It is also the reason he is one of the top ten most quoted sources in the humanities up there with Marx, the Bible and Shakespeare and the only one of the ten who is still alive.

Both this and Manufacturing Consent (along with Chomsky's huge back catalogue of books) are essential reading. Get your head out of the sand and open your eyes!

"They who put out the people's eyes, reproach them of their blindness." - John Milton

Chomsky is a distinguished scientist who about 40 years ago turned his highly-trained, systematic empirical inquiry upon the mass media, widely studying the world press to discern biases in the US press in particular. His early work shattered the myth that US editors and journalists were so left-leaning as to undermine Vietnam war efforts (in fact they were so right-leaning as to be virtual willing servants of government propaganda). He reads Hebrew (the Israeli press) and documents the monolithic selection bias of the US press: the immensely unfair imbalance in coverage of Israel vs Palestine. I suppose it's possible that for 40 years he has been attempting to justify his own biases--but I suspect that is highly unlikely and that he is as he presents himself, a scientist who is open to discovering hidden truths about the machinations of governments, the US government in particular. I further suspect that this makes him extremely rare and extremely valuable and that it is as a dutiful citizen of conscience that he speaks out. This would seem a service of inestimable importance.

I received this DVD special-ordered through the mail. I wanted to see some of the documentaries the media doesn't want to show me that address the Bush Administration's ficticious war, which I attended, me being a U.S. soldier, and I was in Iraq for well over a year. (I have to pay for it myself.) I already knew I disagreed with the war while I was there, but I always feel ready to consult the media about large social issues such as these. Of course, just because I felt the war was wrong doesn't lessen my opinion, unless my readers already made up their mind to hate those who want a liberal media, which does not exist. I call a person like this "NeoCon".

Some expect that, because I made up my mind, I can no longer ever be objective, but I disagree. I wanted others' opinions, but I also needed programs such as this one that show certain truths that don't always agree with what that administration wants me to believe. I am entitled to make up my own mind, form my own opinion, attach myself to whichever group I decide, and progress along my alternative track. I am allowed to conduct research on my own. If, during that research, I come upon a question, I have a right to vocalize that query in my own way, whatever way I deem fit and conceiveable to my personal thinking, which is my own and does not pattern after group thought.

Noam Chomsky probably feels similar to my description I expect, because, after watching this movie, I sense that this person behind the lectern speaking to the crowd for, what, 50 minutes?, maintained through simple argument, managed to address our government, including Clinton (sorry NeoCons, no ficticious bias for you to place blame to here) and our recent, I guess I could say, infatuations, with what that administration refers to as "War On Terror". This movie intellectually addresses just about the entire scope of that infatuation in broad form, and in such a way that the speaker's credibility backs up the argument.

I must confess I'd only heard the name, "Noam Chomsky", on the internet, but I didn't know who he was. Although I read a lot of the internet media, I can't imagine how I didn't know more before receiving the DVD. When I did receive it, I had no idea what I was in for. It was some conference room with a lectern in front, and a guy with white hair up there speaking.

Amazing how through all the arguing and ranting and Fox Network and CNN and other corporate News programs, and all the newspapers, all the Stars & Stripes newspapers I read while in Iraq, all the internet sites I'd been to and e-mails I received, that addressed all these different and important issues relating to what would turn out to form the opinion I did, how that single video of nothing more than a man in a classroom, I identified with by only listening. Almost, like I'd been mentally all over the place in limited space and time, a somewhat crazed sense, but that this man spoke to me. It seemed stronger in comparison to the rest of the noise I hear! Amazing how some people think they know so much about these political issues, which just seem to rally support for their team, as though it were a soccer game where we are all happy to take sides. This guy was not offensive in his speech, but his points seemingly poked large gaping holes through those fibers to effectively tell the truth about us humans, especially those in America. The "War On Terror" is a nonsensical war actually landing upon ourselves. If you quiet down and follow the speech, you might actually learn something, as I did. A moment of clarity? The speaker makes an argument I can't deny. It takes place in a classroom in front of students. He is probably right, and credibly backs up his thesis.

After I finished, I wondered about Chomsky's history, so I checked out his biography on the DVD. When I did that, I think I must've concluded he must be one of the smartest English-speaking men in the world, not because he had a long list of credits (which helped), but because he said something intelligent and made a relatively undeniable argument about something, and that is all, period.

I wish television stations would show documentaries like this one, because they are educational documentaries. But, in today's #X%&ed-up American consumer society, we only get popular conviction, and have omitted for us by the corporations for the wealth most proof that American politicians sometimes fail. Everyone makes mistakes, but Americans have a right to know because this American democratic country belongs to its citizens according to the Constitution and the Declaration Of Independence. Why do I rarely see journalists actually providing information disemination on the important social issues, and notably the infringements of the government from big business? Am I not allowed to help decide what kind of government we want? Aren't we tired of hating houseless people yet? I am a voter, you know.

But, because I'm a soldier who resides in Europe, I actually get the chance to witness another culture, and feel the culture. So few Americans actually step out of that prided American soil long enough to make a connection to something else; and, doesn't having a non-biased view make for better truth to sample it? For instance, why do Germans hesitate at violence, but never with putting out magazines on the bottom rack with naked people on the cover, in full view of even children? To me, this seems the way it should be. We are taught from birth that self-righteous violence is appropriate for handling situations, like we are afraid of being kind and that kindness is weakness. Murder and intimidation is good and practical when we Americans do it; we don't let others get away with it, even if it's retaliation for something we did? Could we be teaching ourselves that emotional closeness and caring feelings are bad for us? I believe Americans are taught that violence is okay; and, not from videogames, but from the person who has the ability to affect citizens the most: the President Of the United States. The fact of electing Bush this term, alone, says something about us; do you see? We live in a land where George Bush gets eight years of political speech, but Michael Moore gets trouble for asking, not forcing, two hours of a movie that no one has to buy a ticket to? In Germany, the vehicles aren't regulated as much as in America. You'd think maybe we'd have cleaner air, right?? No. You know why you cannot see the Hollywood sign in California from the city through the SMOG? It might be because our American Government deregulates mass corporate air polution; yet, they are more stricter on the regular average population. They like to enjoy forcing the regulations on average workers than to admit their corporate interest to television news stations. Preach jail-house rules to the masses, but freedoms to the large corporate businesses, when it comes to the regulations!

What good is peace, if by that peace we must be in a constant state of agression? Can we learn? If I signed up for eight years in the U.S. Army, can the citizenry of my land I fight for know no peace? What if the world knows Americans always vote against peace with the Palestinians, yet keep feeding attack helicopters and tanks to their opposition, even when, dare I say, that our friends commit acts of agression against Palestinians that would cause the Palestinians to hate them, and us for helping the terrorist acts of them, and all other countries in the world have deliberately overlooked those acts because it was an American Terror? What if the world knows we killed people in other countries without excuse, to aflict maximum casualties in public places where our incompetence or else deliberation missed our target? Are Americans terrorists? Have Americans committed to acts of war against other countries who were so afraid of us because they knew NATO and the UN would dismiss the thought because it was coming from America? Watch this DVD. Of course, as with any true liberal media, we may not be happy with what we hear. You won't hear it on Fox or CNN. In fact, will our future hold the kind of honesty in intellectual debate and opinion in this movie? Intellectual history, not history, but intellectual history, is what you will listen to for the next 50 minutes with this movie, if you care about terrorism as much as I do.