JACK'S BLOG
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BloggingPropaganda is most often the purview of government agencies and revolutionary organizations. However, the Internet seems to have made it a public endeavor. Anyone can play. Simply visit almost any weblog discussion thread and you'll easily see what I mean. Hitler assembled his legions in great masses and transformed them into ranting mobs with his propaganda. Stalin used the state-run newspaper, the humorously named Pravda (Truth). In recent decades, ideologues have employed the popular cultural media, electronic news and entertainment, to carry their banners at the head of American political groups. Today, propaganda may be found liberally sprinkled in discussions all over the Internet, especially in weblogs. It is now the purview of the common folk.
To be honest, political discourse in America has never been polite. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty simply tarred and feathered anyone with the temerity to disagree with them. A member of the House of Representatives once beat Senator Charles Sumner into unconsciousness with his cane. However, with the advent of the Internet, anyone can play. Verbal brickbats can be thrown freely without fear of consequences. Even worse, virtual mobs may form to verbally assault anyone who wanders into the weblog of the opposition. Interestingly, these amateurs have learned the rudiments of propaganda with little formal instruction. They're easy to spot.
Unfortunately, not everyone has debate experience and many fall into the trap of lashing out with propaganda while engaged in an Internet discussion thread when faced with opposition, especially well-stated opposition. Generally, I attempt to respond with a question to give the person an opportunity to rethink their words. Another technique is to restate your opponents view in your own words in an attempt to clarify their position (for them as well as for yourself). Sadly, once a conversation has devolved into an argument, there is little to do but walk away. Be prepared. The other party will likely taunt you for your supposed cowardice or claim victory as you turn tail. Never mind. They are beyond convincing and those who choose to lurk on the sidelines while you and they do battle, have already chosen sides and they won't be dissuaded either.
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