34 pages • 1 hour read
Noam ChomskyRequiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Requiem for the American Dream by Noam Chomsky analyzes the rise of income inequality in the US over the past four decades, attributing it to neoliberalism’s concentration of wealth and power among the elite. Chomsky outlines ten principles employed by the wealthy to undermine democracy, including financialization, manipulating ideology, shifting economic burdens, attacking solidarity, influencing elections, controlling regulations, undermining labor, manufacturing consent, and promoting division to maintain control. The book examines how these methods affect socioeconomic conditions and democratic values in contemporary society. The book addresses sensitive topics such as systemic economic inequality and political manipulation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Noam Chomsky's Requiem for the American Dream provides a compelling critique of wealth inequality and corporate influence in American politics. Reviews praise Chomsky's clear analysis and engaging arguments, though some note his pessimistic tone and lack of actionable solutions. Nonetheless, it is widely regarded as a significant contribution to political discourse.
Who Should Read Requiem for the American Dream?
A reader who values critical analysis of social and political structures would enjoy Requiem for the American Dream by Noam Chomsky. Comparable to Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty and The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, it suits those interested in inequality, democracy, and the concentration of wealth and power.