Media: Exploiting Human Needs and the Danger of Propaganda
The competition for votes and ratings are interconnected, making a 2nd Trump term very possible
As a media ecologist schooled in the teaching of Dr. Neil Postman and his understanding of the power of propaganda, I’m drawn to the irony that Donald Trump may be running for, and even be elected to the U.S. presidency while imprisoned for any number of felonies, and potentially even sedition against the United States government. Drawing a parallel to history, Adolf Hitler wrote his manifesto Mein Kampf while imprisoned. Hitler’s propagandists in Nazi Germany masterfully used media techniques to advance their ideological agenda. Newsreel footage, films by Lina Wertheimer, and other media forms were employed to manipulate public perception and incite nationalistic fervor. The dissemination of biased information, carefully curated images, and emotionally charged language contributed to the rise of Hitler and his dictatorial ambitions. The fear of a similar outcome, where propaganda and media manipulation pave the way for a leader with authoritarian tendencies, is a legitimate concern in today's political and media climate.
Understanding the impact of media and technology on contemporary society is crucial in safeguarding democratic values and promoting informed and responsible media consumption. Those who recognize the intersection of media, politics and propaganda can’t help but be concerned about the future of democracy.
The emergence and popularity of media-savvy politicians and news personalities who capitalize on human motivations to advance their politically and ratings motivated policies and positions raise concerns about the potential for manipulation and propaganda reminiscent of many darker chapters in history. As explored by Postman, understanding the impact of media and the sophistication of propaganda is crucial in navigating the complex relationship between media, politics, and contemporary society. Only by understanding propaganda and its power can those who find these trends dangerous oppose and defeat them.
Postman's exploration of media themes, such as the medium as the message, the age of show business, and media as epistemology, provide insights into the mechanisms through which the rise of generative AI and deepfakes further complicates the media landscape, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. Emotionally charged language and theatrics capture the attention of their audiences, catering to their needs for entertainment and drama. By advancing politically motivated policies and positions, they exploit human desires for strong leaders who promise simple solutions to complex problems. The lines between entertainment, news, social media, and politics become blurred, leading to a situation where the most sensationalist and provocative voices gain prominence, regardless of the substance of their ideas.
News media sources, aware of this dynamic, exploit human needs and desires by advancing biased narratives and sensationalist stories. The competition for votes and ratings are connected, overshadowing the pursuit of objective and accurate reporting and contributing to the polarization of society. If you’ve read to here, you probably care. We need to do more than care; we need to employ equally entertaining and theatrical propaganda in our political discourse.