"The Lies They Tell". Who are 'They'? What 'Lies' do they tell us? Why should we believe these lies? When you accuse a system of being corrupt and manipulating you are often accused of cynisism, perhaps even acute paranoia. "It's not as bad as all that" you are told. "Why would they lie?" you are questioned. "Do you think we are all so ignorant as to fall for tricks that oppress us?" is their hurt defense. But have we not seen lies and corruption both present and past. Look back 100 years and you will plainly see that people were exploited and repressed. It would seem plain to any 'intelligent' person that there was a lack of justice for many of the individuals undermined in the past, but these individuals did not see, did not wish to see, or felt that there was nothing they could do. When objectively viewed in present day terms, much the same still goes on. We may laugh, hold our heads high, and say that we are above their manipulation, and , yes, people are fooled into unfortunate lifestyles or outlooks, but if people are stupid enough to fall for it then they deserve all they get. But what of the nature and nuture argument. We must all except, to a certain degree, that our lives are shaped by both of these elements. We are not simply an outcome of our genetic make-up, nor are we simply blank pages ready to be filled up by the worlds rich palatte. Rather, we are a combination of the two. Further to our our 'natural instincts' our opinions and personality are shaped by what we are told and what we see. We all have the ability, yes, to see advertising and news stories for what they are, but do you really think that this constant barrage of information is merely swept aside by our intellect? How many people believe that Coca-Cola or Pepsi are 'the best' Cola drinks? The 99% awareness level of these has led to their brand names being synonimous with the product itself. Our view of these product quality levels is not led by our highly superior verdict on these brands greatness, but by our intuation that 'if they can afford to promote this constantly it must be good', or, in more general terms of today sconsumer society, 'higher price = higher quality'. But logic defies these arguments. If a product needs to be promoted to an extent where you cannot pass a single day without it being shoved in your face, must it really be so good? Are we not victims to the economic falacy when we by a product simply as it is the most expensive we can afford? These questions are ones we are slowly programmed not to ask. To propose that advertising does not affect us is unfounded. Small children in todays society desire that which the 'TV' says is good, brand names are everything in the fashion of the day (regardless of actually quality)...and so on. "But what is so bad about these big companies", you ask. Despite the fact that these big companies manage to produce cheaper goods as they grow, their price often increases. Jobs are lost (however, see later essay on the level of work truly necessary in a fair society) and the vast profits go to those who do the least work. Vast sums of this profit are used in various forms to maintain the status quo. Not simply in terms of that market, but in more general terms of an entire capitalistic system. Efforts are made to subdue competition, but also to keep those happy that best serve the corporation. Not employees or consumers, but higher powers. There are numerous cases of large corporations funding governemts, arms trading, and third world exploitation. These are not simply companies that operate in what are viewed as dictatorship countries, or other represive states, but the companies which you buy products from every day. What of government then, how does this aspect corrupt and lie. Well, we all know of basic corrption rife in the powers that be. But are they really so shocked and upset when we find out? Doubtful, as the exposure of one scandal every now and then serves to divert attension from real problems, and to prove that the system actually works (in much the same way that corrupt cops in movies are almost entrely brought to justice by honest cops...) The 'system' (let us not talk of particular governments as the end result is the same) encourage actively discrimination of every sort. Sexism, racism, and every other form of irrational and unfounded hatred is bred by government to excuse exploitation, war, and simply to encourage in fighting within the rabble. Meat eating is good for you? We accept this as fact due to its constant portrayal as such. Ignoring the fact that this is a lie, it does not expose the toruous conditions these animals are subjected to, instead portraying happy little farms. One minute your out rescuing the Kuwait nation from Iraq, the next, they're all 'dirty arabs' who are born evil. Women start to get too many rights? Family values is touted as the saviour of us all. This article is not meant to expose the lies in their entirety, or point the finger at every institution and corporation that manuipulates the general public, but merely to make you think. Remeber. Every act of good is not simply an act that isn't bad, but a positive step. Indifference is a disease

We are all products of our environment to a certain extent. We must contantly struggle to sift through our knowledge, personality, and viewpoint to improve ourselves, ethically, morally and in every aspect of our daily life. This is no sermon, but simple facts. We are expected to lie down and except their force fed indoctrination plan. It would be a perfect system if everyone were the same. If everyone had the same tastes in everything. It would be simplicity itself to control this society of identical beings. That is why throughout our lives we are told to all eat the same things, listen to the same music, wear the right clothes, buy the correct product. But is that really the world you want to live in? Where inspiration is simply a part of a rewritten history. Where creativity a word spoken in hushed corners? The rich do not deserve to have everything whilst the poor have nothing. There is plenty for everyone and more besides. I simply encourage you to work towards a better world. Not to necessrily go out and take part in direct action or preach on street corners against the statist exploitation of the planet. Simply to question things a little more, make that difference. You can make a difference. We can win. It is better to light a candle than to complain about the darkness.