Analyzing the manipulation as manipulation is one way to determine "what is going on". Another way to examine System manipulation is to focus on what the System is not talking about or broadcasting.
This is particularly relevant when it pertains to certain themes that the System had previously obsessed over but then -- suddenly and mysteriously -- no longer talks about or broadcasts.
System noise is manipulation containing mostly lies. Conversely, System silence tends to communicate a great deal.
Hear that silence. Listen to what is not being said.