The Paradox Of Propaganda
Propaganda is used to spread and justify the American agenda, gain foreign support and decrease foreign resistance. Some of the propaganda methods that the United States currently uses are communications techniques geared toward influence. “The U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force all have units dedicated to the dissemination of propaganda. These units conduct what is referred to as Military Information Support Operations (MISO). MISO activities were previously known as Psychological Operations (PSYOP) (Well).” These units are intended to target foreign audiences and improve foreign perceptions of the United States’ military actions. Other propaganda promoting units aim to influence domestic perception. The difference between Public
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The paradox of propaganda is that while it is viewed as necessary to counter enemy propaganda, it is less accepted when it is used to manipulate and deceive our own citizens. When propaganda plays on people’s fears it prevents the logical analysis of information. The challenge is to balance justice, truth and objectivity while preserving national security. There is also the challenge of being consistent in attitudes toward propaganda in general. It is hypocritical to view information spread by enemies as a propaganda and information that serves our interests as facts. “This leads to flawed ideologies based on emotion, stereotype and prejudice rather than reason and evidence. These false beliefs are reinforced by propaganda that tells us that freedom or equality demand that we diminish the freedom or equality of others (Welch).” In order to justify our actions, and condemn others, the United States need to ensure that their methods of propaganda are transparent and accountable. In an article titled "War of the Words," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld wrote about the importance of disclosure in America's communications in The Wall Street Journal in July. "The American system of openness works," he wrote. The United States must find "new and better ways to communicate America's mission abroad," including "a healthy culture of communication and transparency between government and public
The paradox of propaganda is that while it is viewed as necessary to counter enemy propaganda, it is less accepted when it is used to manipulate and deceive our own citizens. When propaganda plays on people’s fears it prevents the logical analysis of information. The challenge is to balance justice, truth and objectivity while preserving national security. There is also the challenge of being consistent in attitudes toward propaganda in general. It is hypocritical to view information spread by enemies as a propaganda and information that serves our interests as facts. “This leads to flawed ideologies based on emotion, stereotype and prejudice rather than reason and evidence. These false beliefs are reinforced by propaganda that tells us that freedom or equality demand that we diminish the freedom or equality of others (Welch).” In order to justify our actions, and condemn others, the United States need to ensure that their methods of propaganda are transparent and accountable. In an article titled "War of the Words," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld wrote about the importance of disclosure in America's communications in The Wall Street Journal in July. "The American system of openness works," he wrote. The United States must find "new and better ways to communicate America's mission abroad," including "a healthy culture of communication and transparency between government and public