So far it's very interesting being in the United States- in a number of ways. Firstly, those listening to political radio mostly are listening to stations that are reassuring them that Elon Musk is doing the right thing. And that terrible contractors are sapping all government money. Complex- - ThreadSky

emmalbriant.bsky.social • 3 days ago

So far it's very interesting being in the United States- in a number of ways. Firstly, those listening to political radio mostly are listening to stations that are reassuring them that Elon Musk is doing the right thing. And that terrible contractors are sapping all government money. Complex-

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emmalbriant.bsky.social•3 days ago

Contracting needs reform. But what Musk is claiming is an exaggeration to cover exploitation.

emmalbriant.bsky.social•3 days ago

Secondly, the mood is so sad, not just negative, but sad. From most people I meet. But there are some who don't quite see how bad things are and are maybe overly optimistic. Honestly, I hope they are right but I fear they need some strategic thinking.

emmalbriant.bsky.social•3 days ago

Thirdly, I don't think anyone realises the depth of censorship and cultural engineering going on. And I hope they wise up to it but quite honestly it's hard to imagine anyone grasping just how severe this is.

emmalbriant.bsky.social•3 days ago

Not least because it's hard to fathom in a country like this, used to being a democracy. There aren't many countries used to being democratic that have gone full autocracy.

josannel.bsky.social•3 days ago

Democracies are incredibly fragile.

redondodave.bsky.social•3 days ago

The echo chamber is devastating. Until they lose their jobs or have health care denied, its status quo.

mygind.bsky.social•3 days ago

Btw, admire your work and involvement in exposing Cambridge Analytica. Despite the sad circumstances, you can now do field research in a democracy sliding towards an authoritarian regime

mygind.bsky.social•3 days ago

Has the censorship progressed to self-censorship? Are there things people know, but don't say/discuss because of fear of losing their job? This Guardian article implies that. What is your experience?
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/20/universities-trump-administration

emmalbriant.bsky.social•3 days ago

I'd say that will necessarily have to be the case. In censorship environments people always modify what they want to say.

mygind.bsky.social•3 days ago

"The depth of censorship and cultural engineering going on."
How much media coverage is there in the US of all the negative stories? We here in the free world outside USA 😉 are quite well-informed by our media and of course Bluesky, but are the average Americans aware of what's going on?

emmalbriant.bsky.social•3 days ago

Some are, but a lot aren't.

jameswoodfield.bsky.social•3 days ago

Those sad people there are grieving for America;
for what is lost, and for what might have been.
What hope is there now to make their country great again?

“I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender, I could’ve been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.”

jameswoodfield.bsky.social•3 days ago

We all grieve with them, partly because we know the bell tolls for us too.
“If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less.”

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