Einstein wrote in 1949 that the time had come where the rich controlled the means of communication, making it impossible for people to make informed decisions.
I have studied propaganda most of my adult life. Corporate consolidation and its effects are also an intense interest for me.
There is something called the illusory truth effect. People will believe false information if it is repeated over and over again, even if they know that information is false.
We have been living under a mass media apparatus that fewer and fewer people control as the years go on. Their ability to coordinate messaging and effectively brainwash generations of Americans has been improving. And what’s worse is most of us believe we are not susceptible to it thanks to things like the Dunning-Kruger effect.
There are not quick and easy solutions to this problem as best I can tell. But we should be aware of it. It impacts you all. It impacts your families. It impacts your neighbors. It shapes what we believe about our fellow Americans.
I have used propaganda techniques to raise consumer awareness for at least 3 years now. With about $10,000 from my professional community I challenged corporations that make millions of dollars. If one person can do such things with such little money, then imagine what the people controlling the money can do.
We should be aware of it. It impacts you. It hurts our country. It shapes what you believe about your fellow American.
Our spirit must prevail.
Addendum:
October 2025:
Most of this addendum deleted.
If anyone ever asks what my problem is, it’s that we’re human beings and we’re really good at war. So why not start a war on human suffering? I want everyone to have what I have or better.
Excellent observation, Chris. It’s unfortunate how many of us have succumbed to the #CorporateMediaOligarchy. I personally have canceled my WaPo and NYT subscriptions in favor of The Guardian, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, all owned and run by independent journalists.
College English writing classes are addressing some of these ideas: corporate consolidation of news media, social media false presentation of constructs vs. truth, recognizing relevance of local information and history. Bring these ideas home to the table and keep communicating.
@dancingkillerwhale
I’m so happy to hear that some of these issues are being brought to college students. I’ve felt very alone in the fight against propaganda, but I know there are many like me. And many still yet to join the battle.
Great article!
Thank you!