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.
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It is true, people are way too lazy to dig past the dirt and find hard facts. Of course it does seem impossible at times to even get past the sugarcoating or extreme amounts of spun "details". Even then you’re still questioning if you have gotten to the correct conclusion! Like you said Jill, welcome to the world of politics. I’m grateful for my own morals and curiosity that compels me to question such claims as presented in unSpun. It if weren’t for my own questioning of facts in a “world of disinformation” then I would simply choose sides from a hat, that would work just as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree to a certain extent... es, most consumers don't take the time to research what they are buying, but the companies know people are busy and go for the most accessible, most marketed product. People are much more attracted to the fancy, "breakthrough" products because they are constantly and commercially advertised in their faces. Why does Pepsi sell more than RC Cola? Because the busy public doesn't see celebrities drinking RC on TV. No one cares if it costs twice as much. It is believed to be the better product because it is highly commercialized.
ReplyDeleteThe one with the most persuasive lie definitely wins. This book is a huge downer.
ReplyDelete