Navigating many of the issues that have been discussed is not too hard when you have the right tools to see the information out there for what it is. Whether it be prejudiced beliefs and actions, conspiracy theories, indoctrinated or radicalized groups, or even the rhetoric many of those in authoritative positions utilize to sway … Continue reading
With the aid of their propaganda and utilization of scapegoats, demagogues and even groups essentially pull the wool over the eyes of their followers. Not only that, there is a mass amount of confusion generated. Where the amplification of one group's message begins the process of polarization, as the opposite end of the spectrum is … Continue reading
One of the most common concepts to arise in political discourse and conspiracy theories is the scapegoat. It is also a very important idea to be aware of when looking at tensions between groups and how utilizing it can feed into some very atrocious outcomes such as hate, violence, and even genocide. From prejudiced thoughts … Continue reading
I have shown how those that follow conspiracy theories typically rely on mental shortcuts to navigate the information, and the content that feeds them this information is efficient in capturing more automatic cognitions. Kahneman (2011), found that the brain forms thoughts in two ways. He distinguishes the process by referring to them as system one … Continue reading
The process of a rumor goes through stages for "optimization", essentially boiling it down to something that can easily grab the attention of the reader and possibly subvert their more rational cognitions. Allport & Postman (1947), leveling is essentially a diffusion i.e., making the rumor contain fewer words or items, shortening it, and taking away … Continue reading
One of the biggest issues emerging out of the digital age is the onslaught of misinformation and conspiracy theories that flood the internet, spreading like wildfire through populations. It seems we are being pushed into a post-truth society, where objective reality has lost some of its power in influencing political and societal decisions. One of the … Continue reading
As has been mentioned, the process of spreading the message of the far-right is diffuse and self-perpetuating, with no real head on the hydra, a few demagogues have managed to gain some notoriety but are not exclusively tied to any hate groups or fringe ideologies, though small threads can be connected to their ideas and … Continue reading
Alongside the musings of Hoffer and findings of Allport, a line of research has illuminated one mechanism that might be fueling some of the violence in far-right ideology. This can be found in the culture of the southern United States. The fact is, the number of hate groups has greatly increased since 2017 and a … Continue reading
While going through the literature and researching the topic it seems, at times, that the far-right can work with sophisticated methods of propaganda and persuasion, from a broad view it is like cult behavior or mirrors religious fanaticism in its application and practice. The next several posts will be delving into some of the supposed … Continue reading
The more prominent figures within the milieu of the alt-right are bolstered by a seemingly large amount of internet traffic and users that help spread propaganda that typically leans towards messages of hate and violence. One of the key propaganda machines that have been indicated is the board Politically incorrect, or /pol/, on the anonymous … Continue reading
