Strategies Used in the Television Show '24'

            Without hitting her readers over the head, Jane Mayer subtly and effectively persuades them that the television show "24" is merely conservative political propaganda intended to persuade the audience that torture is an effective means to fight against terrorism. Through personal interviews and factual statements accompanied by effective story telling methods she gives her readers the subtle notion that 24 is built on the grounds of conservative beliefs. Mayer evokes emotion throughout her essay in order to fully persuade readers of her beliefs about the show.
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             Throughout Mayer's essay she conducts many personal interviews with producers and government officials to gather information on the shows true meaning and effect on the real world. Her first interview was conducted with Joel Surnow, an executive producer of 24, to illuminate the extent of how conservative characteristics are the foundation of the show. She discusses how he hated welfare and had lost friendships with friends who were liberals. By giving this background information on Surnow's beliefs, Mayer is giving readers small clues in order to illustrate how Surnow used conservative characteristics to use in the creation of the show. This is imperative because conservatives, like Surnow focus on tactics such as torture in order to try to reach an effective outcome. This analysis also examines how conservatives are not likely to use rationale or follow laws set by those in power. One individual she talks to is executive producer Brian Grazer to gather insight Joel Surnow. Grazer had some interesting comments about Surnow like, "I nearly walked out. He was really glib and insulting. I was shocked. He's a tough guy. He's a meat-eating alpha male. He's a monster! Maybe Jack Bauer has some parts of him." In doing this she is drawing a parallel between conservative political views and the glorification of torture on 24. Mayer presents Grazer's comments to the readers to help the readers see that Surnow's own beliefs might be projected in 24 through the lead actor, which is significant because the lead actor is ruthless.