"Why did we treat Japanese Americans so badly?"
"How could we massacre so many Native Americans, and then sign treaties with them only to blatantly break them later?"
"Why would we allow a law to pass that invades our privacy at book stores and libraries?"
"How could the people of (insert_nation_here) possibly let their government do (insert_crime_against_humanity_here)?"
These are the kinds of questions many of us asked in History class as children and young adults. I don't recall ever getting a straight answer.
If you talk to some of the homeless people around First and Green in Champaign, they'll tell you there's a secret CIA mind-control device broadcasting from Illini Tower, forcing the public to perform various and sundry activities. That wasn't really the answer I was looking for β it seemed a little far-fetched.
Then I found Mickey Z's book, "The Seven Deadly Spins" at the Champaign library.
The author includes many poignant quotes and examples from war history, underscoring various methods governments use to manipulate their citizens' thinking and point them towards war. Since fanatical Nazi figures are often used in propaganda to ruffle our feathers, it's only appropriate that a few quotes be included from these nuts to help explain the "how's and why's" of government-sponsored atrocities.
(Aspiring government PR professionals, take notes!)
"The great masses of the people... more easily fall victims to a big lie than a small one." -Adolf Hitler
"Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders... All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." - Hermann Goering, Hitler's deputy, at his 1946 Nuremberg War Crimes trial.
"...Spins" served to pique my curiosity concerning a number of historical events. What's more, it sheds light on propaganda you can consume right now. Go to any mass media news source on the web, in the papers, or on television to see real live examples of the spin techniques outlined in this book.
The issue of what's right and wrong for our government to do is one thing. Letting us know the truth about what they are doing is quite another. "Seven Deadly Spins" is a quick read that should help keep you on the lookout for the truth.
As a side note... there were a few grammatical errors speckled hither and thither in "...Spins." Mickey Z β get hold of me before you publish again β I'll proofread for free. |
