The word propaganda is for us in the west mostly associated with old communism, a thing of the past. Dusty, dry, obvious, an antiquated form of manipulation used by these 'terrible' governments to control the majority. A clear power grab for a few corrupt elites. There is a subtle ignorant arrogance I think in our understanding of propaganda. Even the term to most of us is so clearly not applicable. We live in America...Land of the Free...Home of the Brave...I can go and get an education, i am immune to this 'propaganda'.
I think the general public is oblivious to propaganda in the West
As I have begin to read a bit about how communist regimes evolved into existence coming out of WWII, I am shocked. For the most part they targeted young people, appealed to their emotions of being a part of 'a state' that was great. Appealed to a level of patriotism, funneled through state run school systems, and drew out in people these ideas of moral high ground. The government would remove poverty, provide equality, increase peace.
It took time for the state to commandeer the cultural issues and their narrative, however it only took one generation for true change. These regime's would do little to put down older citizen's resistance, however when the dissenters were young people, educators, or clergy, the government intervention would be swift and often fatal. There was a slow numbing of the older generations convictions, while the younger generation was being 'indoctrinated' or 'educated' by the propaganda of the state.
How is that Possible
In light of History it seems so obvious. Socialism/Communism is bad, and doesn't work. Were the people of the USSR, Yugoslavia, Czech, Bulgaria, Romania etc just really dumb? I dont think so. I think the Propaganda was that good.
I believe the American Propaganda is being equally effective.
It has begun, and the generation of social media has opened up a form of propaganda that future generations are going to look back on and think 'were those people just that dumb?'. Look at who politicians are letting lead out their campaigns, Trump just signed on his 2020 campaign manager for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Its because it works...
Did you watch the 'march for our lives?' Regardless of how you feel about guns? Have you seen the news cycles? It's full of extreme statements pulling on your emotional desire to stand for some sort of righteous idea. I mean seriously 'march for our lives'. Anyone outside of our culture will think that the march is some sort of equality march for some disenfranchised people group. The name itself has nothing to do with guns. However it gained steem based on the news cycle communicating this idea that guns are evil and we need to stand for the safety of our children.
Or the typical social media user will scroll through their feeds and allow themselves to be influenced by this idea of 'viral' or 'trending'. There is a propaganda feel to something that is trending/viral. It makes you feel like everyone is thinking this, it will appeal to this sense of righteousness, and often times is complete bull when put up to actual scrutiny or logic.
In theory FB should be at the forefront of the news cycles for both its incredible privacy breaches as well as its censorship of certain political themes. However, it is not going viral because 'stop spying on me' doesn't sound the same as 'march for our lives'.
Teach Young People to Think
Nobody will call the trending/viral concept propaganda. However, I believe it is at the base of identity politics. We as a society seem to be drifting away from personal thought and conviction and more into a group think push for moral high ground that is being influenced by the propaganda of social media and news cycles. As i learn more and more about the iron curtain and how governments used propaganda to build out socialist/communists regimes, I see more and more similar trends here in America.
Who knows where its going to end, but I would encourage you to
- Think for yourself.
- Teach others to think for themselves.
- Get some courage outside of your online life.
Thanks for reading - would love any thoughts, especially if you are history junkie...
Live big Today and Dominate life