Political Propaganda

The political season is upon us. The race is loud and vicious.

What can we learn from understanding Political Propaganda?

Political Propaganda

The purpose of political propaganda and propaganda in general is to fill the population it is directed at with enthusiasm.

When we are aware that a presentation is propaganda, the message it delivers becomes discredited. The affect is then the exact opposite of the intention behind its delivery. If you feel duped, enthusiasm is hard to muster.

The message of the propaganda may be reasonable and even inspirational. Despite this, the message is still dismissed as misplaced and potentially tainted. When we are exposed to propaganda, our objectivity is attacked. The application of the passing of time and repetition have a surprising effect on how we are affected by propaganda.

While the initial message remains suspect, the time that has passed since first exposure seems to move the message from totally suspect toward a message that may have within it some element of truth. What is really happening in this situation according to psychologists is that the source of the propaganda fades from memory over time. Initially the message is dismissed because the source is suspect. As the memory of the source fades, the message itself becomes more believable.

Where you hear it fades from memory faster that what you heard.

During an election year, this becomes intensely relevant. Negative pronouncements against an opponent are initially disregarded out of hand. The person hearing it doubts the statements made due to the knowledge of who is saying them and their motivation. The message, however, lingers.

As the identity of the party promoting negative messages fades, the negative message lingers. in this way, negative political ads do their job and often do it well. Unfounded or spun perhaps, but memorable, none the less.

“It must be true. I heard it on TV!”

or

“It must be true; I saw it on the internet!”

Really?

The next element under consideration during exposure to propaganda is repetition. Just as in marketing and its advertising strategies, propaganda is repeated, and repeated, and repeated. It takes on a life of its own.

Any marketing student or sales manager knows that the more times a consumer hears about a product, the stronger that consumer’s inclination is to purchase.

The fact that propaganda is spread and dispersed by a suspect source fades as repetition occurs. The person hearing the propaganda remembers the message more clearly than the source of the message. It becomes internalized and the original source of the information and their motivation fade.

“I just know it.” Why? You heard it enough times, does that make it truth?

Now put together these two elements that support propaganda: The original motivation of the source fading with time, and the repetition of the message.

How can we guard our objectivity against these aspects of propaganda? Listening to multiple sources is a good idea and supports objectivity. Media is owned by individuals and influenced by the positions of its Boards of Directors. It may be challenging to watch, or read information that you haven’t fully invested in. It is a step in the direction of understanding both your own position and that of someone of a differing position. If you are right in your opinion or thought, why fear exposure to anything different?

Another positive thing that is a benefit of accessing various sources of information is that the effect of repetition will float to the surface. Questions like “Where have I heard this before?” or “Why does this differ from what I heard elsewhere?” will pop into your mind.

Objectivity is an essential skill in this situation. Here is another source of information that may support one idea or another. Again, a variety of viewpoints is essential in overcoming propaganda and coming to an objective position of your own.

While listening to any media presentation or reading any magazine or newspaper, consider the source of information being presented. What is the motivation behind the message? Is it well supported by fact-based details, or is it solely based on opinion and bias?

Another good question to be considered when analyzing a position is frequency. How often do you hear this repeated? The more times it is repeated, the more carefully it should be researched for exactness. Truth is truth. Opinion is opinion. One stands alone and is timeless. The other requires repetition and is momentary.

The world is currently filled with what used to be known as propaganda. We are engaged in a war for your opinion and position. Consider objectivity. Support objectivity with long term benefits in mind. The benefits should be for all affected by the propaganda. Your consideration is your most valuable currency. Spend it wisely.

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Comments? Additions? Differences? email to Karenmac1999@hotmail.com