Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 4 down vote favorite

I want to title something based on Chomsky's book Manufacturing Consent. The text would be about a movement that uses social media to fight against main stream media's attempt to manipulate information. Would "de-manufacturing consent" make sense? Other words that would convey the same idea and still reference the book title?

share|improve this question

4 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

How about Dismantling Consent? "Dismantling" -- incidentally the last definition given by Gnawme for "deconstruct" -- seems to convey a careful taking apart of components that suggests the opposite of the careful putting together of components that "manufacturing" suggests.

share|improve this answer
up vote 6 down vote

The title "Deconstructing Consent" may capture what you're after.

deconstruct, v. : to break down into constituent parts; dissect; dismantle.

share|improve this answer
In criticism, to deconstruct refers specifically to an analytical approach associated with Derrida and others. It may or may not be appropriate for the OP, especially for a literary or academic audience. – choster May 29 '12 at 20:39
you're right choster, hadn't thought of it, I'm going to go with dismantling i think – amh May 29 '12 at 21:01
@choster Note that the definition of deconstruct given in my answer is Dictionary.com's primary definition of deconstruct. I'm aware of deconstruction as a school of criticism; for those who are conversant with deconstruction -- and don't view it as "intellectual masturbation" -- Deconstructing Consent can function as a double-entendre in response and opposition to Chomsky's Manufacturing Consent. – Gnawme May 30 '12 at 4:10
up vote 5 down vote

Dismantling works only if the endpoint of your effort is to see the components of the manufactured consent laid out for view. If, on the other hand, your aim is to undermine fraudulently manufactured consent and foment widespread dissent, then Demolishing Consent would better capture your purpose.

share|improve this answer
Up vote for "If your aim is to undermine fraudulently manufactured consent and foment widespread dissent..." as it reads well, is accurate re answering the question AND it rhymes. – Feral Oink Jun 13 '12 at 23:23
up vote 0 down vote

How about a neologism and a direct connection to Chomsky's title "Un-manufacturing Consent"? It appears the expression is already out there: http://conducivetee.spreadshirt.com/unmanufacture-consent-A8539226

share|improve this answer
(This comment is irrelevant. Forgive me?) That garment is over-priced at $28.50. From the product description: "This Shirt is sweat free and organic". I did enjoy the company name 'spreadshirt'. Never saw that before! – Feral Oink Jun 13 '12 at 23:29

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.