Really? UFOs?

I thought this was really interesting, and very believable (ironically enough). I think its true that some people are so blinded by what they believe, or want to believe, that they will go with anything. Its like false hope, the hope of something, ANYTHING, that gives them a purpose. And that is a little disturbing. Yes, its nice to believe in something; but when it controls your entire life that you are willing to see nothing else...? Yikes. And its scary that advertising, politics, and people can be so convincing. It comes to the point where you dont know whats true and whats not anymore. Like the example of the truthout.org website. Even when the people were proven incorrect, they still had support. And these people control the country!? This is terrifying. And the part about the "revolving prison door policy"? People who know they are being tricked are being tricked. I'm not sure if its a matter of people being very gulible, or advertisers being very smart. Probably both.
I really like the cartoon at the beginning of the chapter. Its shows how thinking logically takes more effort than just saying "im right". But unfortuetly, thats just how some people think. People should be more open to new ideas.

un*spun first thoughts

This book is much different than I originally thought it would be. Its more of a leisure read than a school textbook. Its interesting, thoughtful, and what I like most is that it comes from all different view points. I thought it was interesting that in every example of propaganda, the authors used an example of politics. Yes, in a course entitled "Propaganda, Power, and POLITICS, the topic of politics was likely to occur; however it is interesting how often. What is equally surprising is how easily people are swayed by the things they hear; and not only by products, but by political claims. From snake oil to tax cuts, people will believe anything that looks promising to their own lives. Facts are really never an issue, which is terrifying. It wasn't too long ago that we were bombarded by political campaign adds on TV, and I remember laughing at each one. Some of the claims were so outrageous, they might as well have claimed that the candidate gave guns to children...oh wait, that might have been an actual commercial. Either way, people either believe what they want or don't care enough to find out the facts.
So who wins? The one with the most persuasive lies wins. Welcome to politics.
And it is true with products, too. An apple a day will NOT keep the doctor away. But neither will a high-energy, low carb, protein enriched, expensive exotic fruit and nut bar. Which may or may not lower cholesterol.
The example of the Supreme Greens was my favorite. If something cured all of those diseases and issues, it should either A. cost more than $50 or B. be given to every hospital and food store in the world. Hey, if you have the answer to world health AND hunger? Give that man a medal. I don't know which is worse; the fact that he thought it was true, or the fact that millions of people did.