Propaganda: A Tool for the Mind

Propaganda is a powerful tool that is utilized by governments and other institutions in our society in order to push agendas that are meant to deliberately mold the human mind (Bernays, 1928). From a vicious point of view, propaganda is about consciously presenting dubious half-truths, misleading information and selective history to the masses so that the masses can be persuaded to take particular a action. Although the word propaganda has a negative connotation, the reality is that any institution that propagates a doctrine or a system of beliefs is essentially utilizing propaganda. However, whether the propaganda is positive or negative depends on the intentions of the individuals and organizations using it. Not only is propaganda utilized by invisible governments to gain public support, but propaganda is vital for governments because propaganda is the instrument that is constantly being used to control the masses and to fabricate consent. As stated by Bernays (1928), “We are governed, our minds molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of” (p. 37).

Americans are not the only individuals in our world subject to propaganda. As a matter of fact, every person in our society can at some point be deeply persuaded by propaganda because propaganda is constantly being used by invisible governments to program the mind. As stated by Bernays (1928), “Modern propaganda is a consistent, enduring effort to create or shape events to influence the relations of the public to an enterprise, idea or groups” (p. 52).

References

Bernays, E. (1928). Propaganda. Brooklyn, NY: Ig Publishing.

Cottam, M.L., Dietz-Uhler, B., Mastors, E. & Preston, T. (2009). Introduction to political

psychology. Retrieved from https://read.amazon.com/