the bandits own the media," said Gore. "And the media tells them that America is the greatest country in the world. Well, it sure as hell isn't, at least not for the people who live in it. But the media are there cheerleading, 'These are the greatest guys on earth.' The infantilizing of the republic is one of the triumphs of American television.
In his critique of American society, Gore Vidal asserts that the media is controlled by powerful interests, which he refers to as "bandits." He argues that this media manipulation propagates a misleading narrative portraying America as the greatest nation, failing to acknowledge the struggles faced by its citizens. According to Vidal, the media's role is to cheerlead for these elites, diverting attention from the realities of life for the average American.
Moreover, Vidal emphasizes that the media's influence contributes to a broader infantilization of the republic, suggesting that American television has played a significant role in shaping this dynamic. By presenting a sanitized and glorified view of the country, the media fosters complacency and a lack of critical engagement among the populace, allowing powerful interests to continue their dominance without challenge.
