We, the people have achieved a lot over the last centuries. But our rights are no gifts from our guardians, they were hard won. Today we live in a time of illusions, stupid entertainment and fashionable consumptions. Most people are still blinded by the media flood rather than form their own opinion. The constructive ways have to begin with an honest look in the mirror: never an easy task; always a necessary one.
John Pilger - Melbourne Writers Festival
These days, a one-dimensional political 'culture' ensures that few writers write, or speak out, as they did in the last century.
They are talented, yet safe. In the media, the more people watch, the less people know. Beneath the smokescreen of objectivity and impartiality, media establishments too often ventriloquise the official line, falling silent at the sight of unpleasant truths.
Renowned independent journalist John Pilger speaks about complicity and compliance and what the rest of us can do - Melbourne Writers Festival