Perception of Authority

Throughout White Noise, DeLillo criticizes and explores society's false perception of authority. As the professor of Hitler studies at The College-on-the-Hill, Jack Gladney decides to "'grow out' into Hitler" (DeLillo 17). He grows a beard, gains weight, and wears glasses to fufill this image of authority. Jack even notes that he is "the false character that follows the name around" (DeLillo 17). He accepts a new identity- a false identity- to fufill the image of the professor. Modern media, such as the radio and the television, are over trusted sources of truths in the novel. Jack and Babette's children often trust television and radio over their own instincts. As Heinrich and his father are driving in the car, it begins to rain. Heinrich says "It's going to rain tonight" and Jack responds, "It's raining now". Heinrich replies, "The radio said tonight" (DeLillo 22). Heinrich believes what the media told him and denies the obvious truth. White Noise criticizes people's trust in false authority.