About Television and the Mechanisms of Mind Manipulation

Perhaps Bourdieu is the last of the great thinkers who left their intellectual mark and practically influenced the social and political movements that characterized the second half of the twentieth century. He is also considered one of the most important theorists whose works serve as tools for intellectual and theoretical struggle within what is now known as the alternative globalization movement. In the late 1990s, Bourdieu devoted significant attention to criticizing the role played by the media and new media in France. He launched harsh criticism at the corruption of the French media and the subservience of French intellectuals, whom he called "the new watchdogs." He focused particularly on the dangerous role television plays in perpetuating prevailing conditions and interests, in political disengagement (depoliticization), and in manipulating the minds of consumer-viewers. Since its publication, this book has stirred, and continues to stir, much controversy and commentary, ranging from welcome and great enthusiasm to sharp attacks on the book and its author. Suffice it to know that the book went through eight editions in the initial period after its release. This translation we present to the Arab reader is a translation of the eighth edition, published in 1997.

This book is authored by Pierre Bourdieu, and all rights are reserved by the author.