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I wonder if there is any correlation or causation between portrayal of the government in films and the actual impression of the government. To me it seems that

I wonder if there is any correlation or causation between portrayal of the government in films and the actual impression of the government. To me it seems that U.S. likes to portray government in a negative way in films, and in real life a sizeable portion of the people are also not happy with the government. The reverse is true in China. I mentioned the difference in people-government relationship earlier but didn't think of the link to the media and film industry: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13203027 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13203027

seanmcdirmid 10y ago
Interesting question. We will never know the other way since the government in china controls the film industry, all films must get pre-plot approval. Whether pro government films positively affect perception, i would guess that it works for a certain segment of the mass population (a silent majority in Reagan's terms) but not really the middle class. The existence of dissatisfaction with the American government probably drives production of subversive films, rather than the other way around. People are usually predisposed to media that fits their views, not the other way around.