Webster University Film Series hosts: “The Brainwashing of My Dad”
Time, place & location: Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 7pm at Webster University, Winifred Moore Auditorium at 470 East Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves, 63119. Admission is FREE.
Filmmaker Jen Senko explores the radical change of her once Democratic father to an angry right-wing fanatic. The transformation occurs over years after his immersion in talk radio in his car and the constant blare of FOX News at home.
Senko chronicles with facts and respected media observers how an extreme right wing ideology and media has clandestinely developed and implemented for decades a phenomenon which has divided families and America with a narrative not in their own best interest.
Senko uncovers the forces behind the media that changed her dad completely. Some of which are: a plan by Roger Ailes under Nixon for a media takeover by the GOP, The Powell Memo urging business leaders to influence institutions of public opinion, especially the universities, the media and the courts, and under Reagan, the dismantling of the Fairness Doctrine.
As her journey continues, we discover that her father is part of a much broader demographic and that the story is one that affects us all.
Through interviews with media luminaries, cognitive linguists, grassroots activist groups, “Brainwashing” unravels the concerted plan to shift America to the Right over the last 30 years, largely through media manipulation. The result has lead to fewer voices, less diversity of opinion, massive intentional misinformation and greater division of our country.
This documentary will shine a light on how it happened (and is still happening) and lead to questions about who owns the airwaves, what rights we have as listeners/watchers and what responsibility does our government have to keep the airwaves truly fair, accurate and accountable to the truth.
The documentary will be followed by a panel discussion that will include a question-and-answer session with audience members.
Panel members are:
Moderator: Don Corrigan, weekly newspaper editor and journalism professor.
Charles Jaco, veteran broadcast journalist with CNN and St. Louis media.
Jessica Brown, Gateway Media Literacy Partnership, founder/past president.
Tom Flanagan, activist/past event coordinator, West County Democrats.
Sentiments of one film reviewer: “Having watched a family member tune in to the so-called ‘patriot stations’ and become addicted and constantly angry, I watched this documentary with interest. It is so sad. Wish we could have our family member back to the rational adult that she used to be. Having that propaganda playing all day long has really changed her.”
If you wish to share a similar story of losing a family member to right-wing media, you can do so anonymously with the panel ahead of time by emailing the details to: Tom Flanagan at tommyflan1@gmail.com.
Bring your friends…both choir and non!
Let’s get educated, Get Out & GET LOUD!
Thank you and I hope to see you there,
Submitted by Tom Flanagan, WCD Member