"Propaganda is
a means to an end. Its purpose is to lead the people to an understanding that will
allow them to willingly and without internal resistance devote themselves to
the tasks and goals of a superior leadership. Propaganda as such is neither
good nor evil. Its moral value is determined by the goals it seeks." A
famous European leader once said that. Another added, “The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless
one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly... it must confine itself
to a few points and repeat them over and over.” Any guesses?
Keep. It. Simple. Stupid. The message comes first; the
facts can be fashioned to fit that message later. “It has nothing to do with islam” and “You ain’t no muslim, bruv.” Keep it brief, keep it simple and keep
on saying it. K.I.S.S. Any criticism of an alien culture is racism. Observing any
differences between the sexes is sexism. Being afraid that a rabid cult is baying
for your blood is islamophobia – fear becomes hatred by simple repetition that
this is so. Keep on saying it and it becomes true. Nothing is normal.
Everything is normal. Not normal is the new normal. Two plus two equals five. If everybody says you are wrong, eventually you will begin
to question what you know.
Our society is wary of brainwashing. Cults use
brainwashing, so they must be dangerous. Cults seek to distort reality so their
adherents cleave to a different doctrine. Cults are dangerous, dividing
families, dividing loyalties, dividing and ruling. Cults are minority phenomena,
they say, cults are evil and wrong. This is obvious, they say, anybody can see
the power of the cult is limited and we can cure you. Look into my eyes and repeat
after me: “Muslims account for only 5% of the population. They must be
protected. They suffer the most because of the actions of ISIS. They are a
force for good in our society. Diversity is good. Diversity is good. Diversity is good. Diversity
is god...” Keep looking into my eyes. Keep. It. Simple. Stupid.
Donald Trump has dared to say what millions think. Of
course, what those millions think is simply wrong. The deeds they have
witnessed, the words they have heard or read, the fear they feel when they
imagine their lives or lifestyles are threatened are all illusory. And anyway, Trump has
to be wrong because the simple, repeated message of the media, world leaders
and liberal commentators says so. The condemnations from Barack Obama, David
Cameron, Boris Johnson, the usual voices on the left, along with the Metropolitan Police are confined to a few simple points.
Repeated over and over.
Raised by popular consensus
‘The Donald’ is having none of it. While Nigel Farage was
cornered into having to repeatedly discipline his party, keep his own words
sober and refute the more xenophobic utterings of some members, Trump just says
what he believes and far from backing down, repeats his claims louder and with
more vigour when challenged. His numbers continue go up and up with every
proclamation. What is wrong with ‘his’ people, this cult of Donald? Are they
being brainwashed by him? The recent surge for France’s Front National is
another deep stain the bien pensants want to eradicate.
In desperation the
leaders of the ‘free world’, who know what's best, select another programme number, insert the pre-wash powder and up
the speed of the spin cycle.
