Increasing numbers of anarchists are recognizing that technology and ideology are also part of the network of power. This shows a lack of understanding of how the media functions. The media plays a specific role in the power structure, a role that, in a democratic state, becomes not only essential, but also central to the functioning of power. But before continuing, it is necessary to confront the illusions many have about democracy. The democratic state is able to allow such a broad spectrum of opinion precisely because opinions are basically substanceless.
Opinions are ideas that have been drained of all vitality.
Separated from life and from any projectual basis, they have become harmless blathering that ultimately strengthens the democratic state by making it appear tolerant and open as compared to feudal or dictatorial states. From this, the political function of the media should be obvious. It is the mediator and processor of democratic opinion. All of the complexities, all of the vitality, all connection to real life has been leeched out, and we are left to decide whether these nearly identical brown lumps stink or not. To be for or against this war, that law, whatever candidate, policy or program is no threat whatsoever to power.