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Good quote: On Propaganda
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. ...We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of.

    In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons...who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.

    Edward L. Bernays, Propaganda

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  • _OZ_OZ

    Exactly. He was the hero that made sure women began smoking as much as men through his propaganda equating smoking with the liberation of women.

    Making sure the US was psychologically and emotionally prepared to go to war (first world war) was another great accomplishment.

    ...and most importantly, making sure that none of this was called propaganda at home since that was a dirty word associated with the Germans. Here it must be called something much more civilized: Public Relations.

    After reading his thoughts on propaganda, it's good to follow it up with Manufacturing Consent by Hermann and Chomsky.

  • ninettoninetto

    One of the dying breed, the fine journalist, John Pilger also quotes Bernays today, exposing his dark side and also pointing out the absurdity of the Western press theses days: exactly what insane rantings people take as given facts. Also worth a read: http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/10/28/inside-the-invisible-government-war-propaganda-clinton-trump/

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