The Power Elite

This article explores the how mass media influence the views of the public, that is, the public opinion. Of course, Jürgen Habermas' idea of the Bourgeois Public Sphere and Chomsky's analysis and criticism of the mass media in today's context are closely tied to this item and further reading is recommended. Many social critics are concerned with how public opinion and, perhaps more importantly, public consensus is formed. In Post-War U.S., C. Wright Mills investigates the interactions of the elites and the formation of stereotypes among other relevant issues.