On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.17

 8r. Media is subject to manipulation, but in and of itself, its Persuasive Techniques[9] are limited. Direct human contact largely negates second hand propaganda. Blatant overuse of propaganda in media can even produce the backlash of widespread disbelief and discreditation of its outlets. However, if a population were socially isolated, then these techniques could prove much more effective than would usually be the case. Hearing nothing substantial to contradict second hand information, the typical citizen would be unable to make a basis of comparison. Hence, with a little market research, the odds are good that a majority would accept most pronouncements. This approach would be especially successful while espousing propaganda tailored towards proclaiming that everything is well and, above all, stable. Few want to believe uncertainty.

[9] See J.A.C. Brown’s Techniques of Persuasion–From Propaganda to Brainwashing, Penguin Books, Middlesex, England 1963.  I will be reviewing this book in the near future.