The existence and influence of propaganda forces every individual to become diligently self-examining about his or her beliefs and to use a degree of critical thinking and discretion in forming opinions and beliefs about the world they live in.
Propaganda refers to information that
- expresses vested social, political, or economic interests, like those of governments and corporations, and is designed to promote or publicize a particular cause or point of view that is favorable to the underlying vested interest.
- is characteristically biased or misleading in nature
- is widely distributed through mass media outlets like internet websites, newspapers, magazines, cable TV and radio news programs, and even in state and religious sponsored educational institutions
- can be extremely influential in informing our beliefs about social realities and problems, and can contribute to our accepting misleading, and sometimes false beliefs that lead to harmful and destructive social consequences.
For example, if we are convinced by propaganda to believe that a certain group or country is a dangerous and imminent threat, we can end up tolerating and even supporting ruthless and destructive behaviors against that group or country, as Russian citizens have experienced regarding the invasion of Ukraine. Or we could end up ignoring serious social problems that are quite real and dangerous to our health, freedoms, and security, because we have been erroneously convinced to believe these threats are not real, as in the case of climate change denial. Or, if we are convinced to believe that something is a lie when in fact it is not, we could end up not being able to recognize the truth even if it were staring us in the face,
The rising prevalence and importance of propaganda in influencing what we believe has given us good cause to take seriously and embrace the practices of critical thinking and open-mindedness; lest we allow ourselves to lose our capacities for independent and truth-based thought.
Getting Personal
In your view what is the strongest example of the influence of propaganda in today’s world?
Is there a significant difference between propaganda and individual bias? Why or why not?
The greatest challenge facing mankind is the challenge of distinguishing reality from fantasy, truth from propaganda. We must daily decide whether the threats we face are real, whether the solutions we are offered will do any good, whether the problems we’re told exist are in fact real problems, or non-problems. (Michael Crichton, American best-selling author)
“The objection to propaganda is not only its appeal to unreason, but still more the unfair advantage which it gives to the rich and powerful.” (Bertrand Russell, British philosopher)
“Propaganda is amazing, people can be led to believe anything.” (Alice Walker, American novelist, social activist)
Top of post image (Bombed buildings in Ukraine), from wilsoncenter.org
