Primetime Propaganda

April 25, 2011
Shapiro, in Brainwashed, lashed into leftists indoctrinating university students. He found social liberalism corrupting the culture in Porn Generation, and in Project President he described candidates sold like products. Now he probes "the overwhelming leftism of American television." Watching oral sex discussed on Sex and the City, a pregnant lesbian on Friends,7 and the legalization of gay marriage on The Simpsons, Shapiro realized, "These weren't just television episodesâthey were pieces of small-scale, insidiously brilliant leftist propaganda." Liberal politics have pervaded the entertainment field to such a degree, he determined, that it could not be coincidental. Instead, he views it as a concerted effort, consciously planned by industry liberals to convert Americans to their cause. To make his case, he looks back over the entirety of broadcasting history, beginning with early radio, when NBC's David Sarnoff and CBS founder William S. Paley ruled. Critical analyses surface as he traces liberal leanings through the decades. Research included interviews with creators and writers, including Leonard Stern (The Honeymooners), Larry Gelbert (M*A*S*H), Susan Harris (Soap), George Schlatter (Laugh-In) and Peter Mehlman (Seinfeld). Conclusion: "When Hollywood liberals talk about reflecting reality, what they really mean is that they make shows that reflect their values." Even readers who disagree with Shapiro will find this book succeeds in making them pay attention to the men behind the curtain.