Abstract
At first glance, a book that is a critical analysis of US culture might appear not be relevant to the study and prevention of genocide. This would be a profound mistake. Chris Hedges’ analysis is not only applicable but important. Hedges, author of the National Book Critics Circle–nominated War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning (2002), has given those who consider themselves genocide scholars much to think about and to apply to their concerns. With the possible exception of chapter two, ‘‘The Illusion of Love,’’ he digs into modern American culture and casts a critic’s glare on what is wrong and how it might eventuate in possible violations of human rights or even genocide. By way of reviewing his argument, I will attempt to spell out these connections.
Recommended Citation
Hirsch, Herb
(2010)
"Book Review: Chris Hedges, Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and The Triumph of Spectacle,"
Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal:
Vol. 5:
Iss.
2:
Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/gsp/vol5/iss2/8
