Propaganda

Supposedly, the United States does not believe in propaganda. That is why we are supposed to have freedom of the press. Of course, freedom of the press does nothing to prevent the media from producing their own propaganda or the government creating alternative forms of propaganda.

Among the more obvious forms of propaganda in America are such things as the singing of the national anthem before sporting events and the daily pledge of allegiance in elementary school. These might not be textbook examples of propaganda, but they are clearly built around the same principals. They try to expose people to these things to help force the population to love their country.

The American media is another problem. While the media is not technically obligated to manipulate their viewers, advertising revenue heavily encourages them to take this type of action. News broadcasts turn to corrupt actions in order to draw in viewers, which increases the value to advertisers.

Most of the media’s corruption comes in the form of scaring viewers into watching. Promoting pro-America views is another way to improve ratings. If they can develop a blind loyalty to the country, they can exploit it. They can provide feel good stories where the only connection that the viewers have with someone in the story is nationality. They can also combine pro-America propaganda with fear. Threats to America are a gold mine for American television networks.