The Yes Men- Fix the World

The “Yes Men”’s critique of media is that the government and media shape what is told to us to benefit themselves (Friedman/free market), not what may be the truth. Their pranks work, (ex. when they are Dow spokesmen), as an analysis that breaks down the idea that as easy it is for them to dress up and pretend they are somebody, someone will believe what they are saying. Andy states after his true identity is discovered (that he is not a Dow spokesman) that this is what Dow should come out and say. Essentially, they are demonstrating that if anyone (the media) is creative enough, and seem “credible” enough anyone will believe what they are saying and follow in their footsteps of what they state as “reality”. I would say the term that is most aligned with their critique would be Karl Marx’s false consciousness. They seem to think that there is a disconnect between what the government and media “appear” to show on TV, and with reality. They create this disconnect because it benefits the free market, rather then show consumers actual “realistic” ideas and concepts, which would suppress their system.