3 ms·
> But there is some cut-off point closer to present day where sinister-sounding allegations about one's own government automatically become "insane conspiracy t
by AndrewBissell 6y ago
> But there is some cut-off point closer to present day where sinister-sounding allegations about one's own government automatically become "insane conspiracy theories".
This is indeed a really interesting, perhaps even engineered, phenomenon. It's quite striking for example that people will clamor to have Confederate generals' or even George Washington's name removed from schools and public buildings, but don't bat an eye at having a major airport named after the Dulles brothers.
- godelski 6y agoI think engineered outrage has been openly discussed for quite some time. America does it to its own people. Other nations do it to and about American citizens. And this isn't even remotely unique to America. Every major country plays the same game, just to different degrees (if anyone is aware of a major country that doesn't play this I'm honestly interested). Why would "trying to manipulate perception" be surprising for a country to do? Is that not what propaganda is at the root of it? Why wouldn't this idea also advance and get better? We've got native advertising, why not native propagandizing? (foreign and/or domestic) And why would America or China (insert enemy) be unique in using this tactic?
- AndrewBissell 6y agoAgreed on all points. What's interesting to consider is the implications of the existence of a technology like social media which can provide the perfect means for short feedback cycles, experimentation, and mass dissemination. And then you dig into the military roots of the internet itself and start really rubbing your chin. There's a good account on Twitter that delves into some of this: https://twitter.com/cuttlefish_btc https://twitter.com/cuttlefish_btc