
Our score:
4.4 / 5
All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians
Phil ElwoodOur Review:
Phil Elwood's "All the Worst Humans" delves deeply into the murky realm of political public relations and produces thought-provoking and enlightening results. I was both enlightened and disturbed by this book because I have always been interested in the manipulation of media narratives.
Elwood's writing is captivating and riveting; it moves at a fast speed and contains honest confessions and dark humor. His fascinating insider's look into the global manipulation of public opinion is based on his experiences working for dubious clients, including dictators and crooked politicians.
The author's transformation from a driven public relations specialist to someone pondering the ethical consequences of his job was the most moving part. A key component of Elwood's exposé is his willingness to own up to his mistakes. An admission of guilt and a warning about the influence of spin in today's information-overloaded society are both contained within the book.
Despite the sometimes gloomy subject matter, Elwood keeps the book from becoming somber with his wit and self-deprecating humor. Stories like the one about the party with the son of a dictator in Las Vegas are both entertaining and disturbing.
Having said that, readers ought to be ready to face some unsettling realities. In "All the Worst Humans," we see the dark side of things that most of us know is there but would rather not dwell on. It is a harsh reality check that people in power can manipulate public opinion with relative ease.
If you are even remotely interested in politics, the media, or both, you absolutely must read this book. It is an important piece of writing that prompts us to examine the sources of the news and other information we take in with a critical eye. It reveals the mechanisms underlying modern propaganda, which may make you feel skeptical but also empowers.