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For all the talk about democracy, freedom, diversity and dissent the country seems extremely uncomfortable and insecure in the face of diversity and dissent it

by throw2016 9y ago

For all the talk about democracy, freedom, diversity and dissent the country seems extremely uncomfortable and insecure in the face of diversity and dissent it has no control over, unlike tightly controlled narratives in traditional media and is now seeing gremlins everywhere. This is paranoia. This is a new form of McCarthyism and its a double edged sword. Other countries can use the exact same logic to ban hollywood and western media for propaganda and you can't then lecture them on free press or accuse them of authoritarianism. It should be taken for granted there is going to be fair share of propaganda and rumour mongering everywhere and always has been in human society. The only way to 'control' this is to establish a 'ministry of truth'. But given the level of double speak and paranoia I won't be surprised to hear folks advocating a tightly controlled 'ministry of truth' to 'protect' our fragile democracies.

AnimalMuppet 9y ago
Diversity of opinion is one thing. Dissent from official US positions, OK. But very effective manipulation from very skillful people is something a bit beyond "diversity of opinion". You can present a diverse opinion without trying to manipulate, and without being dishonest about who you are. This is something above mere diversity of opinion, or even dissent. This is dishonest, covert propaganda.
- BeetleB 9y ago
  >But very effective manipulation from very skillful people is something a bit beyond "diversity of opinion". You've just described the whole advertising industry.
  - AnimalMuppet 9y ago
    Yes, I noticed that. Honest advertising is also something beyond "diversity of opinion", but it's one that we accept. Dishonest advertising is another step beyond that, one that we don't accept, and that we try to keep out of society. This (China/Russia Facebook propaganda) is more like dishonest advertising; we should seek to eliminate it.

AnimalMuppet 9y ago

Diversity of opinion is one thing. Dissent from official US positions, OK. But very effective manipulation from very skillful people is something a bit beyond "diversity of opinion". You can present a diverse opinion without trying to manipulate, and without being dishonest about who you are. This is something above mere diversity of opinion, or even dissent. This is dishonest, covert propaganda.

BeetleB 9y ago
>But very effective manipulation from very skillful people is something a bit beyond "diversity of opinion". You've just described the whole advertising industry.
- AnimalMuppet 9y ago
  Yes, I noticed that. Honest advertising is also something beyond "diversity of opinion", but it's one that we accept. Dishonest advertising is another step beyond that, one that we don't accept, and that we try to keep out of society. This (China/Russia Facebook propaganda) is more like dishonest advertising; we should seek to eliminate it.