Primetime Propaganda
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| Author | Ben Shapiro |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Broadside Books |
Publication date | May 2011 |
| Pages | 416 |
| ISBN | 978-0061934773 |
Primetime Propaganda: The True Hollywood Story of How the Left Took Over Your TV is a 2011 book by Ben Shapiro. In it he argues that producers, executives and writers in the entertainment industry are using television to promote a liberal political agenda. As evidence, he presents statements made by celebrities and T.V. show creators from Hollywood whom he interviewed for the book. The book include quotes from, amongst others, the co-creator of Friends, Marta Kauffman, and the creator of Soap and Golden Girls, Susan Harris.[1] Regarding how he was able to interview numerous celebrities for the book, Shapiro stated, "I also told them I was profiling the biggest names in Hollywood over the last 50 years. I assume that many of them bought into that last part – people in Hollywood aren’t exactly known for their humility. They must have assumed that with a name like Shapiro and a Harvard Law credential, there was no need to Google; I would have to be a leftist. When I spoke with them, I used certain liberal code words – 'social justice,' 'tolerance,' 'diversity.' And they spoke freely with me, with permission to tape."[2] Portions of some of the interviews which were released onto the internet to promote the book caused the director and producer Lionel Chetwynd to resign from the Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors. In an open letter, he wrote about the reaction of other members of the caucus to Republican Party politicians: "I knew most of my fellow members looked upon the political positions of these people as distasteful; what I now understand is the disgust was not for their views, but for their very person".[3] Vin Di Bona, one of those interviewed for the book, stood by the statements quoted from his interview but added that the material "was obtained in a duplicitous manner" accusing Shapiro of misrepresenting the nature of his book prior to interview.[3] DiBona, however, agrees that Hollywood has a liberal bias, saying "I'm happy about it, actually." The cult cop show, MacGyver, advanced an anti-gun agenda, he added. Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page). Marta Kauffman said that "the idea that we are pushing an agenda is nonsense" adding that "the dangerous thing about the book is it implies we don't want a dialogue."[3] Another of the interviewees, George Schlatter, rejected suggestions that Hollywood is conspiring to exclude the conservative perspective and accused the right wing of being "guilty of everything they accuse the left wing of".[3] An indictment of what Shapiro considers media bias in favor of liberalism, the book received widespread coverage--some mocking--for its claim that popular children's television shows such as Sesame Street were in fact attempts at brainwashing.[4][5]
References
- ^ Paul Bond. "TV executives confirm Hollywood's liberal agenda". Reuters. Retrieved June 11, 2011.
- ^ Jamie Glazov (May 31, 2011). "Primetime Propaganda Interview with Ben Shapiro". Retrieved June 10, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Ted Johnson (June 6, 2011). "TV tome: Left has heft". Variety. Retrieved June 11, 2011.
- ^ Ted Thornhill (May 30, 2011). "Sesame Street is 'a propaganda tool for the Left' says top author". Daily Mail. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
- ^ Ujala Seghal (May 30, 2011). "Sesame Street Spreads Secret Political Messages, Insiders Admit". The Atlantic Monthly. Retrieved June 10, 2011.