Great post, Katie. Propaganda is particularly evid...

2010-02-04T08:40:03.709-05:00

Great post, Katie. Propaganda is particularly evident (and effective) during times of threat, as study after study suggests that humans restrict info processessing alternatives and think less critically when threatened.

Gov't officials realize this, as captured by a recent bureaucrat's comment that (I'm paraphrasing) the current regime 'can't let a crisis go to waste.'

War time provides classic context--as you alluded w/ Iraq war example.

But the phenomenon extends more broadly. You name the proposed threat--global warming, financial meltdown, health care, etc. Content analysis of government explanation, mainstream media coverage of these issues suggests info/commentary that is far too one sided when reasonable alternative perspectives exist.

Propaganda merely plays to behavioral tendencies to reduce critical thinking during tough times. And government officials know that it works.

Our Founders understood historical tendencies here and installed mechanisms to reduce the chances of governmental exploitation.

However, elegant design is worthless if ignored. Over the past century, our vigilance has laxed, and we've permitted government to overstep boundaries that our founders drew.

As you like to say, once the toothpaste is out of the tube, it's difficult to reverse. A reinforcing cycle of perceived threat, propaganda, and more gov't power has been in play

This cycle can be broken if people engage their brains and think more critically. As we've noted before, supply follows demand. Markets will be made to supply critical thinkers with the resources they need.

Capacity for critical thought is the defining feature of a free people.

Comments on Uneasy Pink: Luncheon

Great post, Katie. Propaganda is particularly evid...