This discussion usually begins with the question: What purpose does the media serve in a democratic society? Society currently faces a controversy over the definition of democracy.

"Democracy (di mok're sê) n., pl. -ies 1. government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. 2. a state having such a form of government. 3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges. 4. political or social equality; democratic spirit. 5. the common people, of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power."

There are two forms of democracy widely discussed yet only one is acted out. The first is a democracy "for the people," where people take part in the political process. The second is the idea that the

What is the "real" purpose of media in a democratic society? This is where the debate begins. One must realize that arguments will be assuming opposite definitions of democracy; the idea that people should take an active role or people should just be spectators. Under the spectator notion one might argue that the media's purpose is to "control the public mind" and guide the "bewildered herd" to safety. If that is true the media has been incredibly productive. The only problem with that argument is that it does not take into account that this creates an open gate for the rich and powerful to gain more power. Instead of leading the "bewildered herd" to safety they lead us in circles.

Public opinion is the base of democracy; if you change the opinion of the public you change government policy.

One device commonly used to "control the public mind" is fear. In animal herds, when there is danger the herd will follow the pack leader, giving the pack leader extra power. People need to feel secure, so they doubt their own instinct and follow their "superiors". But what if the leaders created a sense of danger to obtain this extra power? The Red Scare is a perfect example of manufactured fear. The people where in hysteria giving the leaders more power. Power to fight communism, the threat on profit. Bill Gates of Microsoft Cor

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jefferson Public, Democracy Risk, Collage Dictionary, Microsoft Corp, Americans Imagine, Noam Chomsky, Red Scare, Viacom Inc, control public mind, control public, public mind, democracy people, opinion people, bewildered herd safety, purpose media, extra power, democratic society, form government, public opinion, people active role, leaders power,
Approximate Word count = 907
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)