The Point of Propaganda 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Rob Henderson reviews recent research and argues that the point of propaganda is not to convince, but, rather, to coerce. A nugget (emphasis in the original):
Alongside their desire to brainwash people, authoritarians also want to remind them of their power. When people are bombarded with propaganda everywhere they look, they are reminded of the strength of the regime.
The vast amount of resources authoritarians spend to display their message in every corner of the public square is a costly demonstration of their power. Propaganda is intended to instill fear in people, not brainwash them.
Much, much more at the link.
