re: How Propaganda Has Been Slowly Implemented in the US and Overwhelms Your Critical Thinking Skills

helpothers — 9/3/2020 1:45:38 PM

I took a simple logic class in college and it opened my eyes to all the propaganda around me. I would love to see it taught at all levels in the school system. Along with conflict resolution.

re: How Propaganda Has Been Slowly Implemented in the US and Overwhelms Your Critical Thinking Skills

Almond — 9/2/2020 4:01:17 AM

It is easier to maintain your powers of reason if you have a good upbringing and minimize your exposure to media, most of which is biased. Or, a least choose your sources.

So many people have been brainwashed into self-harmful ways of thinking that I wonder whether there is more to this than propaganda, subliminal messaging and psychological mind control techniques. I wonder if there is some conditioned response to frequencies or some such thing. (?) It does not seem possible people could be so susceptible and wacko otherwise.

I do believe that with proper education into the mass-marketing of ideas one can learn to recognize many of these techniques and even laugh at the absurdity. However, "those who can be influenced to believe absurdities can be easily led to commit atrocities."

I admit I was lazy my senior year of high school. I substituted "Mass Media" (communications course) for senior English. It turned out to be one of my most valuable courses. It taught me the ways marketers advertise their products to overcome our natural resistance to purchasing unnecessary things. There are still times when I am susceptible, but fortunately, I will often recognize and learn from my experiences.

I believe certain life experiences also help a person. Families who have escaped totalitarian regimes who tell the stories to their children. Having to work hard to earn a living--you are likely to watch your income carefully and know where each penny comes from and goes. I I work too hard for my money to p**s it away on crap and gambling.) Living close tot he land and providing for many of your basic needs instead of purchasing them in a store--this sort of lifestyle helps keep a person reality-based and sane... also less time for tv (?). Your general health and what you put into your body that also affects your mind... knowing that many junk foods are formulated to be addictive and lead to repeat sales. A healthy mind benefits from a healthy body.

re: How Propaganda Has Been Slowly Implemented in the US and Overwhelms Your Critical Thinking Skills

mirandola — 9/1/2020 11:22:55 PM

Nobody can rob anyone of their critical thinking skills. We have to know our own mind, and use our analytical brain. When we research and know more, looking deeper beneath the surface, we will think more and more critically. That is why there is censorship going on. But we must continue on and spread word widely. There is still hope.