Ethos: New Documentary Calls for Consumers to Reclaim Power

[marmar]

AlterNet / By Megan Driscoll

Ethos: New Documentary Calls for Consumers to Reclaim Power
In his new documentary, Pete McGrain details the ever-expanding systemic quandaries that plague our society and the steps necessary to resolve them.

January 31, 2011 |


“The romantic idea of revolution with riots in the streets and heroic deeds that our children will sing songs about in years to come is just that - a 'romantic myth' - it has never worked,” explains film director Pete McGrain. “The real revolution will be an evolution. No bloodshed, just common sense, people learning the facts and then acting accordingly. Not as romantic, but effective and sustainable.”

Common sense progression is precisely the idea that the documentary filmmaker hopes to rouse audiences with through his new film, Ethos, a compelling picture that offers an inside look at some of society’s most daunting problems. Hosted by Woody Harrelson, the documentary is supported by an array of interviews from several of the world’s leading thinkers, including Noam Chomsky and the late Howard Zinn, to whom the film is dedicated. Tackling a slew of issues – from the U.S.’s current state as a plutocracy to the military-industrial complex – the documentary highlights numerous examples that illustrate the demise of governmental power and the mounting corporate takeover.

Free enterprise has permeated every facet of life, Ethos explains, as Big Business now appears to maintain total control, from the major media conglomerates to the White House. Sam Gibara, chairman and former CEO of Goodyear says, “Governments have become powerless compared to what they were before,” citing the evolution of corporations and their expansion into major political players. Another commentator notes that this realization of power is largely due to the very basis of corporations, as protected by the government, stating, “(Corporations) are required by law to please the interests of their owners above all else, even the public good.”

As a result, corporations, and the politicians who financially depend on them, function with a singular purpose: to make the rich richer. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/media/149578/ethos%3A_new_documentary_calls_for_consumers_to_reclaim_power/

[fasttense]

1. Are we nothing but Consumers???

Have the people of this nation become nothing more than a commodity?

We are American citizens not merely machines of consumption.

We are much more than what we purchase.

[Bluenorthwest]

2. Link to interview with director Pete McGrain

and also to get his previous film "How To Change the World" for nothing.
http://chomsky-must-read.blogspot.com/2009/07/interview-with-filmmaker-peter-mcgrain.html

Ethos looks very good. Thanks for the heads up!