WHY AMERICANS WILL BELIEVE ALMOST ANYTHING by Tim O’Shea

by limbic on June 24, 2003

“CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD PROPAGANDA:

As the science of mass control evolved, PR firms developed further guidelines for effective copy. Here are some of the gems:

* dehumanize the attacked party by labeling and name calling
* speak in glittering generalities using emotionally positive words
* when covering something up, don’t use plain English; stall for time; distract
* get endorsements from celebrities, churches, sports figures, street people - anyone who has no expertise in the subject at hand
* the ‘plain folks’ ruse: us billionaires are just like you
* when minimizing outrage, don’t say anything memorable
* when minimizing outrage, point out the benefits of what just happened
* when minimizing outrage, avoid moral issues

Keep this list. Start watching for these techniques. Not hard to find - look at today’s paper or tonight’s TV news. See what they’re doing; these guys are good! ” MORE

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