Political Theatre category archive
War Correspondence 0
In a fascinating read full of history that may surprise you (some of it certainly did surprise me), Charles Ludington reviews the history of Christmas as a celebration, as well as explores its use as a political weapon by the right-wing. A nugget:
The True Believers 0
At The Roanoke Times, Andy Parker argues–and methinks he has a point–that Trumpism has become a cult. A snippet:
Yet here we are with a cult of millions that make Scientologists look like mainstream Methodists.
Follow the link for the rest.
Bitter Enders 0
One is mildly taken aback that Trump supporters would look to Stalin for inspiration.
But only mildly, as their bent to plumb the depths has been amply demonstrated aforetimes.
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.
Originalist Sin 0
Dave and his guest discuss the role of the Supreme Court and the severely flawed reasoning of “Constitutional originalists.”
One Thing Is Not Like the Other Thing 0
At the Idaho State Journal, Leonard Hitchcock feels constrained to explain to one of his colleagues the difference between “news” and “opinion.” Here’s a bit:
Hackworth chose to publicly attack the newspaper’s management and accuse it of political bias, over an incident that in no way implicated the trustworthiness of its reporting.
Follow the link for his lead-in to these comments; the article is well worth your while–maybe even a couple of whiles.
MSNBC’s Al Veshi sums it up:
Words Fail Me 0
This tells you all you need to know about Regent University.
Words and Deeds 0
Juanita Jean notes the discrepancy.