Superpatriotism

by Michael Parenti

How hype, fear, and mindless flag-waving are supplanting informed debate, commitment to democracy, and real patriotism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0872864332
• ISBN13: 9780872864337
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: City Lights Books
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.2"

Customer Reviews

Brilliant, powerful, riveting and alarming!

I wish everyone could read this book -- and read it with an open mind! It is a comprehensive essay that focuses in on the manipulative devices employed on a daily basis by our politicians and the media that serves them! It's a hard hitting punch that keenly illustrates its point -- One that should be obvious to us all, but rarely is! Anyone who reads this book will plainly see how the "big wheels" readily turn out the crazy "Henny Penny" scams that (since 9-11 and long before) have far too many people running around doing the hysterical dirty work of an all too powerful collective of dangerous and self-motivated manipulators! In our national state of hysteria, it seems that we have forgotten the greatest lessons we learned over the past 40 years: Always Question Authority! There IS an ulterior motive! Parenti explores the common devices (religion, sports and a host of nationalistic slants on every front) used to foster mouth-frothing, mob-mentality, patriotism -- the same old tricks with new dogs applying them! This should be read as a companion to the political essays of George Orwell and Mencken's essay, "Disease of Democracy!" Great read!

Your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore

This book is not for the weak of heart, political partisans, or those exhibiting symptoms of what the author calls superpatriotism, that is "...the readiness to follow national leaders unquestioningly in their dealings with other countries, especially in confrontations involving military force." In a total of just 160 pages the author examines how hype, fear, and mindless flag-waving have replaced informed debate and a commitment to democracy and social justice in America. The relationship between US leaders and the media to promote fear and win support for military interventions and out of control budgets and insure political orthodoxy both at home and abroad is explored as are such vital questions as: What does it mean to love one's country? What determines America's "greatness"? and What is the messianic message behind much of nationalism? I am reminded of John Prine's song titled "Your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore" when reading this book. This one is guaranteed to get your juices flowing!

2 bad reviews 1 reviewer ??

Comparing Micheal Parenti and Michael Moore is an insult to Dr. Parenti's work. If you don't agree with his opinions tell us why, don't just call him a communist. You should read this book regardless of who you follow, it is thought provoking. Nice technique, posting multiple reviews for books you disagree with. Repeat something enough and it becomes true in the minds of those who listen. "They load the clip in omni color then pack the nine and fire at primetime, sleeping gas every home is like alcatraz. No escape from the mass mind rape play it again, and rewind the tape. Then play it again and again until their mind is locked in. Believing all the lies that they're telling you buying all the products that they're selling you." Happy reading

Everyone in America Needs to Read This

This is a brilliant book. With his customary lucid style, careful research and humor, Parenti delivers a desperately-needed palliative to all the paranoid hysteria and ignorance that keeps the plutocrats in power. This timely, disturbing and fascinating book is a must-read if there ever was one.

Review of Super Patriotism

Parenti's latest work questions everything and anything. The reader will learn what superpatriotism actually is and why it is so pervasive in America. Parenti argues that not only is superpatriotism a social disease but it is endorsed by those who are hypocrites such as President Bush and his administration. This book is not left or right wing but rather shows how things really work. Parenti also delves into the concept of Two Americas, Plutocracy, Superpatriotism in sports, and a history of George W. Bush's war on terror which Parenti argues is going in the wrong direction.