Constructing the political spectacle cover

Constructing the political spectacle

by Murray J. Edelman

Latest in Edelman's series exploring the role of symbols in political life, this volume examines the powerful social control that is exercised, largely unconsciously, through the manipulation of symbolism used in constructing the political spectacle. Defining the social construction constituted by news reporting a "political spectacle," Edelman argues that the actors in the spectacle get caught up in it and are avidly taken in by it. He describes how news constructs political realities for individuals and for society. ISBN 0-226-18399-8 (pbk.): $7.95.

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Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?