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With so much vitriol flying in every direction these days about fake news, Russian propaganda, misinfo and disinfo, it’s crucial to acknowledge and understand the fact that there is a definitive science to distorting reality and manufacturing public consent. Many of the deliberate techniques of this form of social mind control are well-documented, having been revealed by industry insiders, experts, and content manufacturers.
In the Beginning
Known as the father of modern propaganda, Edward Bernays was the original pioneer of social engineering via mass media. In the early 20th century Bernays laid the foundation for cultural programming at the whole-society level by helping to transform a mostly rural agrarian based society into a homogenized culture of consumers and devout statists.
“Bernays combined the work of people such as the French social psychologist Gustave Le Bon to create techniques which appeal to the subconscious emotions of the public, as opposed to engaging the public in rational and intellectual debate.” ~Steven Macmillan
The principles he set in motion have dramatically influenced the growth of our culture, and now, having carried his torch into the 21st century, here’s what several experts on modern brainwashing, propaganda and mind control have revealed about their craft.
A Renowned CBS Journalist Explains ‘Astroturfing’
One of the most important things happening in our world today is the corruption of grass-roots movements and how these movements are portrayed in the media to achieve very specific social and political results. We see this at work in major ways today as dozens of seemingly organic social movements are repeatedly used to create the ongoing narrative of social chaos, racism, division, and political protest.
Sharyl Attkisson, author and former investigative reporter with CBS News, explains the tactic known as ‘astroturfing,’ which is a scheme to fake grassroots movements:
“Astroturf is a perversion of grassroots. Astroturf is when political, corporate, or other special interests disguise themselves and publish blogs, start Facebook and Twitter accounts, publish ads, letters to the editor, or simply post comments online, to try to fool you into thinking an independent or grassroots movement is speaking.” ~ Sharyl Attkisson
These methods are used to give people the impression that there is widespread support for an agenda, when, in reality, the public may not have any true interest at play. Astroturf tactics are also used to discredit or criticize those that disagree with certain agendas, using stereotypical names such as conspiracy theorist, quack, racist, and other popular catch terms.
Here is a summary of astroturf tactics, as described by Attkisson:
A thorough presentation on the matter by Attkisson can be seen here: Read more »