Not all conspiracies or propaganda are obvious. Actually, that is what makes propaganda work. Sometimes, it is a subtle message the reinforces an idea in the subconscious. This is the ultimate form of propaganda, really – producing a message that is not so obvious to the reader so he doesn’t know he’s being influenced. A perfect example of this can be found in an article in The Nation about the Afghanistan war.
The article is very short, two paragraphs only. In fact, it’s hardly an article at all, but really just a quote from the American Defense Minister, Robert Gates. What is interesting is not the article, though, but the image that is posted along with it. Take a look:
Do you notice anything curious about the photo? At first glance, you might not. After all, that is the face of Robert Gates, who is quoted in the article. But look closely. Why they have Photoshopped in an Israeli flag.
What does Israel have to do with this article? Nothing. The point of the image is not related to the contents of the article except that it is meant to reinforce an idea that there is some connection between American military and Israel and Afghanistan. If The Nation has something to report about this, why don’t they report it? Instead, they only write a short article and give you the image to affect your subconscious.
This is a perfect example of political propaganda being pushed in the news media. It more sinister even than a misinformed article because it is intended only to affect the subconscious without his knowing it. You might read about Robert Gates and Afghanistan, but your mind will make a connection between American military and Israel, even though that is nowhere in the article.
The Nation is no stranger to conspiracy theories. Perhaps they should take a look at their own practices, though, if they want to find some really sinister propaganda.
PDF Tags: Conspiracy Theories, Propaganda, Robert Gates, The Nation