Walter Benjamin argued that mass media products could be used to educate and mobilise the masses, and therefore was a tool for social change.
Adorno argued that it was indeed a powerful tool, but that it could be used by anyone, not just the left-wing, and probably more effectively by those already in power as they had more resources. He said it was therefore a double-edged sword. He also said the best use of film would be to show alternative realities, rather than blunt social realism as Picasso did with painting. This would prompt people to be critical of their lives. Benjamin called Adorno an elitist and said he missed the point.
This debate has continued to run through film and video history ever since.
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