YOU ARE NOT IMMUNE TO PROPAGANDA

Remember, you are not immune to propaganda. 

We often look back on posters and cartoons made during the first and second world wars, and think to ourselves "that was such obvious propaganda, how could someone fall for that?" 

Well you can, and you will. Propaganda is everywhere, propaganda is about power and selling an idea. 

Let's do an exercise in recognising propaganda: 

Donald trump's campaign slogan: "Make America Great Again" I want to you ask yourself the following questions in relation to this slogan. 

- How does his presidency aim to "Make America Great Again"? 

- When was America last "Great"? 

- What kind of emotions does this evoke within you? 

This was simply a generalisation, all these words did were evoke feelings of hope and optimism within yourself, allowing for Trump to make these kinds of generalisations and these types of statements without ever actually having to deliver on that slogan because what does "Make America Great Again" even mean? 

This is not the only form of modern day propaganda. During the covid-19 pandemic, the world saw immense amounts of propaganda and scapegoating of marginalised communities. Scapegoating is a popular form of propaganda used by politicians and people in power to place the blame on marginalised communities. Constructing the idea that these marginalised communities are the "enemy" because they "caused" whatever incidents or conditions people are living under. During the Covid-19 pandemic politicians villainised, demonised and often times unjustly placed the blame on marginalised groups, China and chinese people, leading to an increase in hate crimes against Asian people. 

For every piece of political media you consume in the oncoming years, pick it apart, tear it down and build it back up. Be discerning, read a large variety of books, novels and essays. Broaden your horizons and in turn your perspective. The only thing you have now is your mind. Strengthen it, keep your critical thinking skills sharp. Overthink everything.