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Mass Deception: Moral Panic and the U.S. War on Iraq
The attacks of 9/11 led to a war on Iraq, although there was neither tangible evidence that the nation's leader, Saddam Hussein, was linked to Osama bin Laden nor proof of weapons of mass destruction. Why, then, did the Iraq war garner so much acceptance in the United States during its primary stages?
Mass Deception argues that the George W. Bush administration manufactured public support for the war on Iraq. Scott A. Bonn introduces a unique, integrated, and interdisciplinary theory called "critical communication" to explain how and why political elites and the news media periodically create public panics that benefit both parties. Using quantitative analysis of public opinion polls and presidential rhetoric pre- and post-9/11 in the news media, Bonn applies the moral panic concept to the Iraq war. He critiques the war and occupation of Iraq as violations of domestic and international law. Finally, Mass Deception connects propaganda and distortion efforts by the Bush administration to more general theories of elite deviance and state crime.
Mass Deception argues that the George W. Bush administration manufactured public support for the war on Iraq. Scott A. Bonn introduces a unique, integrated, and interdisciplinary theory called "critical communication" to explain how and why political elites and the news media periodically create public panics that benefit both parties. Using quantitative analysis of public opinion polls and presidential rhetoric pre- and post-9/11 in the news media, Bonn applies the moral panic concept to the Iraq war. He critiques the war and occupation of Iraq as violations of domestic and international law. Finally, Mass Deception connects propaganda and distortion efforts by the Bush administration to more general theories of elite deviance and state crime.
210 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2010
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About the author
Scott A. Bonn
2 books65 followersScott Bonn, Ph.D. is Professor of Criminology at Drew University, media commentator, public speaker and author. He is an expert on the behavior and the motivations of criminals. He offers insights into various types of crime, including white-collar, state crime, bullying, domestic violence, sexual assault and serial homicide. His expert commentary frequently appears in the popular news media.
Dr. Bonn just completed a book on the public's fascination with serial killers which offers insights into the minds of infamous predators and explains how and why serial killers become ghoulish popular culture celebrities. Titled "Why We Love Serial Killers" this powerful book will be released by Skyhorse Press in October 2014.
Emmy-winning TV host and best-selling author, Rita Cosby, says this about Dr. Bonn's new book:
"Considered one of the world's top experts on criminal behavior, Scott Bonn has delivered a book which is so powerful and provocative, you cannot put it down. Indeed, through his diligent work and unparalleled access to these infamous killers who've committed some of the most horrific crimes of our day, he provides chilling and critical insight into these deviant and pathological criminal minds… and reveals the truth behind the headlines."
Professor Bonn is not your average academic. He combines the knowledge and skills of an academic scholar with more than twenty years of senior-level corporate experience in advertising, and the news and entertainment media. As such, he has unique insights into the public’s attitudes and beliefs, how they are shaped, and the agenda-setting powers of political leaders and the news media.
Dr. Bonn has developed a unique, integrated, and interdisciplinary theory called “critical communication” to explain how state officials and the news media together shape public opinion on complex issues such as homicide, capital punishment, illicit drugs, abortion and terrorism.
Dr. Bonn received a Ph.D. in sociology (criminology) at the University of Miami, FL, and a masters degree in criminal justice administration at San Jose State University. He teaches courses in criminology, sociology of deviance, media and crime, and criminal justice. His primary research interests include white-collar crime, state crime, domestic violence, serial homicide and how the media influence society.
Prior to his academic career, Bonn held high-ranking corporate positions such as Vice President at NBC Television Network, and Executive Vice President at SonicNet, a leading music website, now a part of MTV Networks. He resides in Manhattan, New York.
Dr. Bonn just completed a book on the public's fascination with serial killers which offers insights into the minds of infamous predators and explains how and why serial killers become ghoulish popular culture celebrities. Titled "Why We Love Serial Killers" this powerful book will be released by Skyhorse Press in October 2014.
Emmy-winning TV host and best-selling author, Rita Cosby, says this about Dr. Bonn's new book:
"Considered one of the world's top experts on criminal behavior, Scott Bonn has delivered a book which is so powerful and provocative, you cannot put it down. Indeed, through his diligent work and unparalleled access to these infamous killers who've committed some of the most horrific crimes of our day, he provides chilling and critical insight into these deviant and pathological criminal minds… and reveals the truth behind the headlines."
Professor Bonn is not your average academic. He combines the knowledge and skills of an academic scholar with more than twenty years of senior-level corporate experience in advertising, and the news and entertainment media. As such, he has unique insights into the public’s attitudes and beliefs, how they are shaped, and the agenda-setting powers of political leaders and the news media.
Dr. Bonn has developed a unique, integrated, and interdisciplinary theory called “critical communication” to explain how state officials and the news media together shape public opinion on complex issues such as homicide, capital punishment, illicit drugs, abortion and terrorism.
Dr. Bonn received a Ph.D. in sociology (criminology) at the University of Miami, FL, and a masters degree in criminal justice administration at San Jose State University. He teaches courses in criminology, sociology of deviance, media and crime, and criminal justice. His primary research interests include white-collar crime, state crime, domestic violence, serial homicide and how the media influence society.
Prior to his academic career, Bonn held high-ranking corporate positions such as Vice President at NBC Television Network, and Executive Vice President at SonicNet, a leading music website, now a part of MTV Networks. He resides in Manhattan, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 17, 2014
This book is not a piece of political polemics, but a scholarly work of sociological research regarding what is known as "moral panic," and the ongoing debate among sociologists whether these short-lived but heavily "promoted" issues come into existence from the top down, or from the grassroots up. In the case of the US War on Iraq, Scott Bonn, a sociologist and criminologist with significant background in advertising, marketing and electronic media, uses proven and accepted methodologies which are devoid of "spin" in ascertaining the process by which the War on Iraq was sold to the American people in the classic form of "Moral Panic" (he provided introductory examples of Moral Panic so the reader understands what it is, how it works, and the reasons for it). His research clearly shows this particular example as a "from the top down" orchestrated sell relying on mass deception and proven advertising and marketing methods.
Regardless of your politics or opinions, this book is fascinating, informative and, above all, tremendously disconcerting, especially the segment of the book where it is recounted that when asked if the US were going to war with Iraq in the next month or so -- it was summer-- a government spokesperson quoted the advertising/marketing maxim "You don't launch a new product in the summer" Sure enough, it was launched in the fall.,
The war as product to be launched, and how it was sold, makes for chilling reading. This is a short, easy to read book that will stay with you long after you put it down, and you will find yourself referring to it often.
Regardless of your politics or opinions, this book is fascinating, informative and, above all, tremendously disconcerting, especially the segment of the book where it is recounted that when asked if the US were going to war with Iraq in the next month or so -- it was summer-- a government spokesperson quoted the advertising/marketing maxim "You don't launch a new product in the summer" Sure enough, it was launched in the fall.,
The war as product to be launched, and how it was sold, makes for chilling reading. This is a short, easy to read book that will stay with you long after you put it down, and you will find yourself referring to it often.
December 17, 2011
Great book - actually read for a class I was taking on War in the Media - the book offers an analysis of the manufactured panic that was created around 9/11 to gain support from the public. As there was no proof about weapons of mass destruction or links to bin Laden, the book takes us on the journey of creating a moral panic to garner support for this controversial war
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews