Walter Lippmann and the American Century by Ronald Steel
- 1. Walter Lippmann and the American Century by Ronald Steel is a profound exploration of the life and thoughts of one of the most influential American intellectuals of the 20th century, Walter Lippmann. The book delves into Lippmann's contributions to journalism, political theory, and his role in shaping public discourse during a pivotal era in American history. Steel examines Lippmann's early involvement in the Progressive movement, his groundbreaking work in the fields of public opinion and media, and his evolution as a thinker in response to the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Throughout the narrative, Steel presents Lippmann not just as a journalist but as a philosopher whose ideas on democracy, the role of the media, and foreign policy have resonated through time, influencing both contemporaries and future generations. The text also contextualizes Lippmann's advocacy for an enlightened elite to guide public opinion in the face of mass democracy, raising vital questions about the balance between expertise and public engagement. Through a rich blend of biography and historical analysis, Steel crafts a compelling portrait that highlights Lippmann's vision for America and its place in the world, making it an essential read for those interested in media studies, political science, and American history.
What concept did Lippmann introduce to describe the simplified images people form of complex realities?
A) Stereotypes
B) Phenotypes
C) Prototypes
D) Archetypes
- 2. Which U.S. president did Lippmann help draft the Fourteen Points speech?
A) Franklin Roosevelt
B) Herbert Hoover
C) Theodore Roosevelt
D) Woodrow Wilson
- 3. What major newspaper did Lippmann write for as a syndicated columnist for decades?
A) Washington Post
B) New York Herald Tribune
C) Wall Street Journal
D) The New York Times
- 4. How did Steel characterize Lippmann's relationship with power?
A) He completely rejected political power
B) He sought elected office repeatedly
C) He was an insider who critiqued power
D) He was a distant academic observer
- 5. What did Lippmann mean by 'the manufacture of consent'?
A) How public opinion is shaped by elites
B) How laws are passed in Congress
C) How religious converts are made
D) How products gain market approval
- 6. What was Lippmann's famous column called?
A) Washington Watch
B) Today and Tomorrow
C) The Daily Observer
D) Political Notebook
- 7. What was Lippmann's attitude toward the Vietnam War?
A) Strongly supported from beginning
B) Became increasingly critical
C) Advocated for nuclear weapons use
D) Completely ignored the conflict
- 8. According to Steel, what was Lippmann's greatest professional achievement?
A) Winning a Pulitzer Prize for fiction
B) Serving as ambassador to Britain
C) Shaping public debate for decades
D) Founding a major university
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