Customer Reviews

Waves of Rancor: Tuning in the Radical Right (Media, Communication, and Culture in America)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Though the authors occasionally overstate their case, this book serves as a useful counterbalance to the extreme right-wing commentators that have popped up on the radio. While these commentators set up a mythic "liberal media" as a strawman, the fact is that the media has become increasingly conservative over the past two decades. This book adds a much-needed sense of balance to the Limbaughs and Schlessingers who try to claim the center for their right-wing agenda.

For far too long, the loudmouths and bullies of radical right-wing talk radio have dominated the political dialog in this country. The "liberal" left has been disenfranchised to a point of powerlessness. The result is the complete control of all media by a few mega-corporations, which ironically limits the exercise of individual rights and free speech. The only real problem with this book is that it may be too little too late. The response by the demagogues of the right proves the point- their intolerance of any point of view but their own. Keith and Hilliard have done us a great service- a must-read for any and all who still care about free speech.

A wonderfully documented book about on who influences the minds of our society.

A wonderfully documented book about on who influences the minds of our society.

RANCOR: "...bitter, long-lasting resentment; deep-seated ill will..." (American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition).

In their survey of the use of communications media by the Right, the professors round up the usual suspects (David Duke; Skinheads), but readers may be startled to also find in the roster of villains such figures as Rush Limbaugh, Bill Buckley, the Gun Owners of America, the Libertarians (!), and the Promise Keepers. The defamation is often accomplished by weaselly circumlocutions such as "some critics have suggested" and "some critics make a direct correlation" between mainstream conservatives and hatemongers. The authors' hand is further tipped by their assertion of "the right of other people - especially those of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other non-white areas - to avail themselves of democratic opportunities in the United States". How many Americans would recognize any such "right"?

For further study, internet addresses are provided for "hate groups" but, oddly, not for the organizations which the authors quote with approval Right wing short-wave radio stations are listed, but no frequency guides are given for those who might wish to sample their activities firsthand.

A Democratic fundraising letter from James Carville is reproduced IN LARGE PRINT. Perhaps its prominent inclusion clarifies the intentions of the authors.

This book is so filled with mistakes that it boggles the mind. Who did the fact checking? The authors claim that the modern Christian right got most of their ideas from Hitler! The authors are either totally ignorant of American history or so biased that they will not be honest. This book is easily the most incorrect and biased account I have ever read. While I share their dislike for the Right wing, their exagerations only make things worse. It could have been an interesting book, but they tried to stretch things too far.

Waves of Rancor is an excellent 5-star book because it is a revealing example of intellectual irresponsibility, extreme left-wing propaganda, and dangerous hate-mongering. The authors appear as bitterly resentful and ill-willed in broadly condemning all conservative talk-show hosts such as Rush Limbaugh in attempting to indict truly extremist and dangerous right-wing voices. I heard Michael Keith on the Michael Medved talk-show add Dr. Laura Schlesinger to the conservatives he does not like. I doubt the authors even listen enough to Dr. Laura, much less to Limbaugh or Medved, to be experts on conservative talk-show programs. They have gone too far with their broad-brush "paint job" and have made the same mistake that Hillary Rodham Clinton made in her infamous comment about the "vast right-wing conspiracy". I strongly recommend the book as an example of the "fascism" of the current anti-democratic left-wing intellectuals.

Finally, the truth about right-wing use of media! Buy this book!

The book gives an adequate view of Right Wing Radicals and rightly warns us about some views not consistent in a Freedom System of free speech. However, it ignores its own bias and failure to research where much of the disinformation and racial tensions and even bombings came from leftists extremists as outline in a book that details KGB Files in The Sword and the Shield. In the end, I have concluded that this book is nothing more than an attempt to counter conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans agenda meant for a responsible and reliable middle americans. The extremes seldom are right anytime and this books only attacks one side so the book itself is an extreme attack exactly what they are trying to stop, prevent or make people think. I think it is a sham for this reason along with many reviews whom I respect but question.