PROPAGANDA IN POLITICS
Can You Spot It?
PROPAGANDA IN POLITICS
Can You Spot It?
I recently purchased the book "Propaganda and Persuasion" by Garth S. Jowett and Victoria O’Donnell. The book is invaluable and I highly recommend anyone interested in the topics I cover here to read it.
In it’s most neutral sense, propaganda means to "disseminate or promote particular ideas". Organized mass persuasion with covert intent and poor or non-existent reasoning. Propaganda represents the work of large organizations or groups to win over the public for "special interests" through a massive orchestration of attractive conclusions packaged to conceal both their persuasive purpose and lack of sound supporting reasons.
A few hallmarks or indicators of propaganda are ;
(A) Controlling the media as a source of information distribution
(B) Presenting distorted information from what appears to be a credible source.
C) Suppression of minority opinion to maintain an appearance of a strong base support. Propagandist’s information will be disseminated whereas opposing sources are likely to be suppressed, dismissed, or even outright ignored.
(D) Withholding vital information
(E) Manipulation of fear and emotions
Propaganda deliberately and systematically seeks to achieve a response that furthers the interest and desired intent of the propagandist. The successful propagandist is able to discern the basic beliefs, needs or FEARS of the audience and play upon those.
Is it propaganda or persuasion? What is the difference? Persuasion is based on "debate, discussion, and careful consideration of options" to discover "better solutions for complex problems", whereas "propaganda results in the manipulation of facts and leaves no room for debate. Propaganda seeks to achieve a specific response, reaction, or action from it’s audience that "furthers the desired intent of the propagandist." Do not be fooled. A good propagandist campaign will lead the audience to believe that they have the audiences interests at heart, but in fact, the propagandists’ motives are selfish ones. They are unconcerned whether their ideologies are effective or even what’s best for the audience or society as long as their own objectives are met. One must always look at the "end result" un-objectively and without emotion as manipulation of emotion and fear are well known tactics of propaganda campaigns.
Undoubtedly there is a lot of propaganda involved in the issues surrounding sex offenders. The NCMEC, John Walsh, NBC’s "To Catch A Predator" and television news outlets have much to gain, financially, with perpetuating myths ,outright lies, and effectively instilling paranoia and fear throughout society. Playing upon one of the strongest fears of society, the abducted, rape and murder of children. If you listen and look closely, you will see the propaganda and true motivation behind these laws. You will see there is little or no room for any opposition in traditional news sources. Sources of statistics are never cited, recidivism statistics are inflated, and valuable information, studies, and sound solutions from leading educators, law enforcement, and psychological associations are repeatedly ignored. Propagandist’s don’t want discussions or viable and meaningful solutions to problems. If they did they’s be out of business. They need to keep the ball rolling in order to survive and thrive. Money, power, and control are their true objectives. Look closely and you will see it for yourself.
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Copyright 2006