I met a man yesterday, a highly educated man by the current standards. But even in the University he was "taught" only one side. It was apparent that he listened only to one side of the news. Our conversation was terrifying and enlightening.
Terrifying because it was apparent that he had not received education but propaganda and that he thought he was educated, plus he held a powerful job.
Enlightening be cause I was given a glimpse into the bring down America campaign's inner workings. It was subtle at first, then more and more emboldened.
My mind sent back to my education. At least 5 professors had Eric Hoffer's "True Believer" as required reading. Also I took a class entitled "Social Control." I learned the way of mass movements and propaganda. I read Saul Alinsky's "Rules For Radicals" later. These and more added up to both a warning and a recipe of how to strike at the heart of our freedoms, most of all free speech and critical thinking. I see it in action right now. So we are back to terrifying.
Can de-programming be done for so many? Can we somehow present all sides so the programmed can hear them and not just shout them down, not just hear but also consider, weigh, and really think ?
It's hard at so many levels and in so many ways.For example, television and smart devices are hypnotic, direct access to the subconscious mind. But we can't just say, "On the count of three, when I snap my fingers, you'll be wide awake."