Adam Curtis's - Century of Self

Here is a small clip from "Century of Self" so you can get a feel for the documentary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUYFr-uDQgg

Adam Curtis's, "Century of Self" is a thrilling four-part documentary that examines a large selection of 20th century's key philosophers (although its mainly featured on Sigmund Freud and Wilhelm Reich) and the impact that they had upon society at the time.

The first part of the documentary explores how the theories developed by Sigmund Freud were used by his nephew, Edward Bernays, to manipulate the masses. By linking mass produced goods to the unconscious desires of the public, he discovered people could be made to want things they didn’t need.

Bernays investigated and applied techniques of mass-consumer persuasion, using any means to achive his goals. He was the first one to associate a product to an ideal, by associating cigarettes to the idea of freedom and independence, the taboo of female smoking in public was brought down. He was also convinced that the theory would prove useful if applied to politics for control of the masses. By satisfying their irrational inner desires people could be made happy and docile.

Curtis's views on Freud's theories one could argue are slightly biased, as he blames Freud completley for the manipulation of masses and doesn't take into account other extenuating circumstances and factors.

Reich's sexual obsession meant he believed that repression couldn't be avoided until a sexual orgasm was achieved and that this was the only way in which the perfect well being could exist.

Reich's themes of freedom of expression and individuality were mimicked by several leaders such as Margaret Thatcher and Ronal Regan, showing the impact his theories had on politics, who's campaigns appealed directly to their audiences offering them the opportunity to have the power and to decide.

The four part documentary really is worth a watch, and has explained many theories better than perhaps textbooks have, for my own personal satisfaction.