How to Determine if Your Country is Driven by Propaganda? A ChatGPT Response and Litmus Test. A Comprehensive List of Alternative Media Sources for Canadians. Main wish/resolution for the coming year.
Plus, My Memories from Growing Up in the USSR and Witnessing the Collapse of the Soviet Empire Precipitated by Glastnost (Transparency and Freedom of Expression) Started by Mikhail Gorbachev.
News first:
As promised, my previous post about the UK Parliament debate on IHR amendments and the exposure of the NCI-CeNC Final Report on YouTube has been edited. Critically, it now contains links to the must-watch presentations that happened in the UK parliament this week that expose serious problems with WHO and how it mishandled the pandemic: https://www.canadaexitwho.ca/world/uk-debate.
This week MP Leslyn Lewis' wrote Letter to Health Minister which raises the alarm about the W.H.O.'s power grab, and the silence of our Canadian government in the face of this threat to health care in our nation. You can read it here, the language is very strong
Finally, the countdown to Christmas and the closing of the most spectacular/impressive petition in Canadian history is in three days. This Substack article highlights the unprecedented phenomenon and what to expect next.
Now the main article.
Preface:
This article is co-authored with ChatGPT and is rather lengthy, as I've chosen to include multiple responses provided by ChatGPT, finding value in each of them. However, you don't need to read it in its entirety. You can simply watch (with English lyrics) to one of the most popular songs in the USSR, which appears to be equally popular in present-day Russia, called "Wide(Great) is My Motherland", see a photo from my Soviet times childhood, update your bookmark with a great collection of alternative news sources available to Canadians, and - finally and most importantly - encourage all your friends during this Christmas season to make saving freedom of speech their main wish and resolution for the coming year. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Part 1: Main wish/resolution for the coming year
As we approach the end of the year, it's important to reflect on the values and most important assets we want to carry from this year into the next. If someone were to ask me what single thing I'd want to carry forward, my answer would be: freedom of speech. To me, this is the litmus test of democracy. Let me explain why and let's have this test done.
It's crucial to understand that freedom of speech assumes responsible use of various news sources. These sources may overlap in content or contradict each other. They may also have personal agendas and industrial influences. However, it's precisely because of the power of democracy that people in democratic countries can best utilize all potential news sources, including, and most importantly, alternatives to official news. As of 2023, I'm impressed with the multitude of alternative, independent media sources Canadians have access to. Whether we take this for granted or fight to preserve these rights for the future is up to us to decide. Consider this my Christmas wish for all of us. As demonstrated below, free speech serves not only as a test for tyrannical governments but also as a means to dismantle such regimes. Conversely, any government attempting to suppress freedom of speech can rightly be seen as seeking total control over its citizens, as observed in countries led by tyrants.
Additional notes from ChatGPT:
**The Power of Free Speech:**
Free speech serves as a test for tyrannical governments and can be the means to bring about their demise. Conversely, any government attempting to suppress freedom of speech can be rightly seen as trying to gain full control over its citizens, mirroring the actions of tyrannical regimes.
**Identifying Propaganda:**
1. **Diversity of Information:** In a democratic society, access to a variety of viewpoints is essential. If information is overly controlled or limited, it may be a sign of propaganda.
2. **Censorship and Control:** Pay attention to any attempts to control or manipulate the narrative, such as censorship of dissenting voices or strict control over media outlets.
3. **Government Influence:** A government heavily influencing or directly controlling media narratives is a red flag. Watch for signs of media acting as a mouthpiece for political agendas.
**Alternative Media Sources for Canadians:**
1. **The Post Millennial:** Providing a conservative perspective on Canadian news and current affairs.
2. **Rabble.ca:** A non-profit news source offering a progressive take on Canadian issues.
3.**Global Research:** Focused on geopolitics, this site provides critical perspectives often not covered by mainstream media.
These were recommendations from ChatGPT, based on its last training cut-off in September 2021. I quickly looked in those and indeed found them quite interesting. And below are few more recommendations from me.
A Comprehensive List of Alternative Media Sources for Canadians:
My two top picks have been already mentioned in my previous posts (here and here): https://brownstone.org and freedomnetwork.tv. The first one is a collection of very interesting and well written books and articles, which I would encourage everyone to read. The second one is a very well organized and interesting watch collection of films and documentaries, which you can also watch also watch Roku, Apple TV or any other Smart TV.
However, there are also many others. Recently, I found a portal that lists many of them in one place: https://freedomrising.info/truth-media/. So, if you are looking for something new to read over holidays, you can browse this portal and find something that matches your interests. This portal also offers a plenty of other resources on various topics that for whatever reason are popular in legacy media. It also allows you to get involved, stay up to date and support the causes for which you care.
For a balanced presentation, let me also include some “alternative” / “independent” news sources that are not listed above: https://www.antihate.ca/news. Perhaps, you'll find something interesting there too. To me, my only interactions with so-called “antihate” communities (e.g., during the recent #1millionmarch4chidlren) proved that they are exactly the ones who spread hate and fear—concealing their faces in masks and hurling hateful comments towards cheerful, maskless protesters.
Most importantly, whatever you read, always remember to exercise your own judgment on how much trust to put into any of the sources or articles published by those sources. They are all here to stimulate your OWN critical thinking and ability to find the truth among the myriad of sources, all of which contain personal, political, and industry influences. These influences will always be present, no matter how hard all of them may try to deny it. You need to simply to keep it always inmind, whatever news you are reading.
**Conclusion:**
As we celebrate the holiday season and anticipate the coming year, let's remember the power of free speech in shaping a healthy democracy. By staying informed through diverse sources, including alternative media, we contribute to a society that values transparency, freedom of expression, and the ability to discern truth from propaganda. As we enter a new year, may we continue to champion and protect this fundamental aspect of democracy.
Part 2: Personal story
Below you can watch and listen one of the most popular and most broadcasted songs of the USSR called "Wide (Great) is My Motherland." It has a fantastic uplifting tune, energy, and lyrics. The refrain lines repeat multiple times. "I don't know of any other country where people can breathe so freely"…
The same song is still heavily promoted in present-day Russia—a country that does not allow alternative news sources and where individuals expressing dissent are still prosecuted, jailed, and even killed. An example is Boris Nemtsov, who was killed around the same time as the video recording below, in which popular singers are singing "I don't know of any other country where people can breathe so freely."
I was born and grew up in the Soviet Union - "The greatest country on the planet," as we sang in school. "I don't know of any other country where people can breathe so freely" is a line from the song that was broadcasted daily on all national TV and radio stations. And, to be honest, that's what I thought myself - enjoying all the great things my country gave me: excellent and free education, healthcare support (waitlines - not a big deal), modest residences (small, also not a big deal), affordable food in stores and meals in student canteens (yes, there were often empty shelves and the quality was not so good, but sometimes, the shelves actually had the items you were looking for, like cow butter and even bananas, and then we were very happy, no mind the big lines we had to wait in to get them), and of course, my dear parents, friends, teachers, and all the sports, music, songs, films, and theaters it had for me.
Most importantly, in my world - in my family - we were a happy family, living in a very small apartment in Kiev but doing things we love to do - in science, sports, and music.
My parents were scientists by profession. My mom was a math engineer (what you would now call a computer scientist) in the Institute of Automation in Construction. I followed in her footsteps, I may say. My dad was a renowned physicist at the Institute of Semiconductors of Ukrainian Academy of Sciences in Kiev. Critically, both of my parents were very joyful, loving people, also musicians by heart and training (both graduated from an eight-year musical school in piano). So, we always had plenty of music, singing, and humor in the house. I was happy growing up in my country, in the circle of my family members, friends, classmates, and colleagues.
Everyone knew that official channels were plain propaganda; you just never took them seriously. And then life was reasonably happy for many - unless you happened to show a lack of patriotism or - even worse - ever questioned history books or any official channel's headlines that always praised our leaders and Communist Party in every possible way.
There was no alternative media or alternative news. The very concept of "alternative news" was synonymous with "state enemy efforts to discredit our glorious country and party leaders."
It was only during the Perestroika and Glasnost (1985-1992), which led to the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1991 and the Soviet empire a year after, that I learned the somber truth behind how the USSR was created and operated - on the blood of millions of my fellow citizens and the fear of many others. It is also when I learned the extraordinary power of "freedom of speech." It was this "freedom of speech" (Glasnost in Russian) that led to the collapse of one of the largest, longest, and most brutal empires - that of the USSR.
But now, many years later, in 2023, observing everything that is happening with the freedom of speech in Canada (and other countries) over the last three years - where freedom of expression is supposed to be guaranteed by the constitution but is increasingly becoming more difficult to express opinions that are contrary to the party lines or have alternative sources of news - I started wondering: Is Canada (and other countries) moving from being a democratic to what I used to know in the USSR - a country driven by propaganda?
So I decided to ask ChatGPT to help me write an article that would allow me and my readers to see for themselves whether they live in a country driven by propaganda or in a democratic country. Below is the article that ChatGPT wrote for me. You'll see AI can be used for a good purpose!
Part 3: Propaganda 101 - Articles by ChatGPT
Me:
Write a blog article about Propaganda models, with overview of models and examples (historical and current), links. The article should help the readers to understand whether they live in a country driven by propaganda or in a democratic country.
ChatGPT: Version 1
The Influence of Propaganda: Unraveling the Dynamics of Modern Democracies
In the era of information overload, deciphering the authenticity of the messages we encounter has become an imperative skill. One of the key tools wielded by those in power to shape public opinion is the dissemination of propaganda. While often associated with totalitarian regimes and historical contexts, the influence of propaganda extends far beyond these boundaries, seeping into the fabric of modern democracies in more nuanced ways. Understanding the dynamics of propaganda models is crucial to discerning the extent to which our societal narratives are shaped by strategic messaging. Let's delve into the various models and examine historical and contemporary examples to shed light on this critical issue.
Overview of Propaganda Models
The Propaganda Model by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky: This model, introduced in their seminal work "Manufacturing Consent," highlights the interplay between mass media, powerful elites, and the manipulation of public opinion. It elucidates how media outlets, often owned by conglomerates with vested interests, disseminate information that aligns with the agenda of these dominant forces.
The Four Theories of the Press by Siebert, Peterson, and Schramm: This model outlines four different press theories, including the authoritarian, libertarian, social responsibility, and Soviet/communist theories. Each theory offers insights into how the press functions within a given political context and highlights the role of propaganda in shaping public discourse accordingly.
The Modern Digital Propaganda Model: With the rise of social media and digital platforms, a new form of propaganda has emerged, one that thrives on algorithms, echo chambers, and targeted messaging. This model underscores the manipulation of online information flows to influence public perception, often leading to the proliferation of misinformation and polarization.
Examples of Historical Propaganda
Nazi Germany's Propaganda Machine: The Nazi regime under Hitler wielded propaganda as a potent tool to manipulate public opinion, portraying Jews as a threat to German society and fostering a cult of personality around the Führer.
Soviet Propaganda during the Cold War Era: The Soviet Union utilized propaganda to create an illusion of a utopian society while suppressing dissent and promoting communist ideology, thereby solidifying its grip on power.
Contemporary Examples of Propaganda
State-Controlled Media in China: The Chinese government employs strict censorship and propaganda to control the narrative, suppress dissent, and maintain its grip on power, particularly concerning sensitive topics such as human rights and territorial disputes.
Social Media Manipulation in Democratic Societies: Various political entities and interest groups leverage social media platforms to disseminate misleading information, manipulate public opinion, and sow discord, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
Understanding Your Societal Context
In determining whether you live in a country driven by propaganda or in a democratic society, it is crucial to critically assess the diversity of information sources, the independence of the media, and the transparency of governmental actions. Ask yourself:
Are there diverse media outlets that offer a range of perspectives, or is the narrative controlled by a select few?
Is there an independent press that scrutinizes the government's actions, or is the media closely aligned with political interests?
Are there checks and balances in place to ensure transparency and accountability, or does the government operate without public scrutiny?
In a genuine democracy, the presence of a robust and independent media, the protection of free speech, and the existence of institutional checks and balances are vital components. However, constant vigilance and critical engagement are necessary to safeguard these democratic principles from the encroachment of propaganda.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to stay informed, question prevailing narratives, and demand transparency from those in power. Only through an informed and discerning public can we strive to preserve the integrity of our democratic institutions and uphold the values of a free and equitable society.
For further insights into the subject, you may refer to the following resources:
Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky, "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media."
McQuail's "Mass Communication Theory" by Denis McQuail.
"The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression" by Stéphane Courtois.
ChatGPT: Version 2
Title: Propaganda Models: Unraveling the Power of Persuasion
Introduction
In an age of information overload, it's crucial to be discerning about the messages we encounter. Propaganda has been a tool of persuasion and manipulation for centuries, but the models and methods have evolved over time. Understanding these models and their historical and current examples can help you evaluate the information environment in your country and determine whether it leans toward propaganda or embodies democratic values.
Understanding Propaganda Models
Propaganda is the dissemination of information, ideas, or opinions to influence and manipulate public perception, often with a political or ideological agenda. There are several propaganda models used throughout history, each with its own techniques and objectives:
1. **The Propaganda Model:** Developed by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky in their book "Manufacturing Consent," this model explains how media outlets can serve as propaganda tools, mainly controlled by corporate and political elites. In this model, news organizations may be influenced by advertisers, government, or corporate interests.
2. **The Five Filters Model:** Also proposed by Herman and Chomsky, this model elaborates on how information is filtered through five layers before reaching the public: ownership of media, advertising, news sources, flak, and anti-communism/anti-terrorism as a rallying point.
3. **The Institute for Propaganda Analysis Model:** Developed during the 1930s, this model identifies seven common propaganda techniques: name-calling, card stacking, bandwagon, transfer, testimonial, plain folks, and glittering generalities. These techniques are still relevant and can be seen in contemporary propaganda.
Historical Examples
1. **World War II:** During the war, both the Allied and Axis powers used propaganda extensively to shape public opinion. The United States' "Rosie the Riveter" campaign encouraged women to join the workforce, while Nazi Germany spread anti-Semitic propaganda to promote their ideology.
2. **Cold War Era:** The Cold War was marked by intense propaganda efforts by both the United States and the Soviet Union. McCarthyism and the Red Scare in the US, as well as the Soviet's anti-Western propaganda, are notable examples.
3. **Vietnam War:** The US government utilized propaganda to maintain domestic support for the war. The famous phrase "We had to destroy the village to save it" exemplifies the manipulation of public perception.
Current Examples
1. **Social Media Manipulation:** In the digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for propaganda. State actors and interest groups use fake news, disinformation, and echo chambers to sway public opinion. The 2016 US presidential election, with allegations of foreign interference and the spread of fake news, is a contemporary example.
2. **China's Belt and Road Initiative:** China's government promotes its international infrastructure plan through propaganda, portraying it as a global development project, while critics argue it's a debt-trap diplomacy strategy.
3. **Brexit Campaign:** The Brexit referendum in the UK saw the use of emotionally charged propaganda, such as the "Take Back Control" slogan, to influence voters.
Assessing Your Environment
To determine whether you live in a country driven by propaganda or a democratic one, consider the following:
1. **Media Ownership:** Research who owns the major media outlets in your country. Are they politically affiliated or controlled by a specific interest group?
2. **Diversity of Information:** Check if there is a variety of perspectives and opinions available in your media landscape. A healthy democracy encourages diverse viewpoints.
3. **Government Influence:** Assess the degree to which your government influences or censors media content. A free press is a hallmark of democracy.
4. **Political Polarization:** Evaluate the level of political polarization in your country. Propaganda often thrives in divided societies.
Conclusion
In a world where propaganda is omnipresent, critical thinking and media literacy are essential. Understanding the various propaganda models and recognizing their historical and current examples can help you assess the information environment in your country. It's not always easy to discern, but by staying informed and questioning the information you encounter, you can make more informed judgments about whether you live in a country driven by propaganda or one that upholds democratic values. Democracy thrives on informed and critical citizens who actively engage with their information sources.
Thanks. Here are my 2c on how to spot propaganda:
- endless repetition
- triggers emotions
- easy to understand
- free or unusually cheap
The power of propaganda is in slowly eating away at people's freedoms through legislation - like the metaphor of the boiling frog; taking decades or generations.
If a free country turned totalitarian overnight, the drastic contrast between propaganda and reality would leave most people aghast.
The response to the people's resistance in the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China was to eliminate the resistance, including mass killings of their own citizens during peacetime.
The propaganda from gradual Socialism (so-called "soft-totalitarianism") is of the same essence and with the same final objective as its violent form ("hard-totalitarianism").
We saw the shadows of this evil over and over these past few years: the idea of the “common good”. An attempt to convince people to sacrifice their individual freedoms. Equality of outcome is a primary goal for socialist countries, and in order to achieve that goal, they deprive people of their freedom in the name of progress.
The gradual transition from Socialism to Communism is a continual stripping of individual rights. Marxist-Leninist theory even states "Socialism is simply Communism’s preliminary stage. "
Instead of obtaining equality of outcome via legislation, Socialism attacks moral values and fundamental "human-ness". Here, in the West, socialist-thought uses pretexts like anti-discrimination,” “political correctness”, and the social-justice progressive ideology of diversity and so-called ‘reverse discrimination’.
Pushing beyond that, on a global scale, Communism attempts to infect its ideology within the political systems and to undermine nation-states and establishing a global ruling body.