Propaganda Definition & The Different Forms Of Propaganda

Editor: Vlad Rothstein | Tactical Investor

Propaganda Definition

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines propaganda as:

The spreading of ideas, information, or rumour for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person.” Propaganda, in other words, is manipulative persuasion in the service of an agenda. The word itself doesn’t imply truth or falsehood in the content or pass judgment on the agenda.

Moving On

Now that we have the Propaganda Definition issue out of the way, let’s examine one of the most pervasive forms of propagating propaganda. However, before we step outside the topic of Propaganda Definition, let’s look at why we examine topics that are not always related to finance.

The short and simple answer is that all these fields are connected; we don’t have free market forces anymore. Everything is manipulated; from the food you eat to data you are provided. If you are aware of this you can plan accordingly. Identifying the problem is over 80% of the solution and this is why most people don’t know what to do because they don’t really understand the problem.

Mass psychology is a very powerful tool and if employed correctly can help you spot the grotesque levels of manipulation the masses are subjected to. We strongly suggest that you view or read or view Plato’s allegory of the cave. You might also find the following article to be of interest:

Since the markets bottomed in 2009

One naysayer after another has penned many an obituary for this market. Alas, all those obituaries were based on fantasy and false perceptions; the bull is alive and kicking while many of those experts are either bankrupt or have bankrupted their clients several times over. We repeatedly stated over the years that the era of low interest fostered an environment that favoured speculation over hard work.

This is why so many companies have opted to boost EPS via share buyback programs. Why work, when through the magic of accounting you can create the impression of growth when there is none. All is well, and when it ends, only the workers and the masses will lose for the corporate wenches will walk away with bloated accounts. Stock Market Bulls-Stock Market fools-Market Crash next or is this just an Illusion

The Cyber Propaganda Wave

The cyber propaganda — which frequently picks at the rawest, most sensitive issues in public discourse — is being pushed across a variety of platforms and with a more insidious approach than in the 2016 presidential election, when online attacks designed to polarize and mislead voters first surfaced on a massive scale.

Recent posts that have received widespread dissemination include racially inflammatory memes and messaging involving Harris, O’Rourke and Warren. In Warren’s case, a false narrative surfaced alleging that a blackface doll appeared on a kitchen cabinet in the background of the senator’s New Year’s Eve Instagram Livestream.

Not all of the activity is organized. Much of it appears to be organic, a reflection of the politically polarizing nature of some of the candidates. But there are clear signs of a coordinated effort of the undetermined size that shares similar characteristics with the computational propaganda attacks launched by online trolls at Russia’s Internet Research Agency in the 2016 presidential campaign, which special counsel Robert Mueller accused of aiming to undermine the political process and elevate Donald Trump. Full Story

Cyber Propaganda & Fake News Wars

Lisa was a girl who, according to the outcome of the official investigations, ran away from home for one day and stayed at a friend’s place where they had sexual intercourse. Since she was only 13 at this time, this person later was charged with sexual intercourse with a minor and producing child pornography.

Since “Lisa” and her family were immigrants from Russia, Russian media, especially RTV, started a campaign saying that she was kidnapped and raped by refugees, which rapidly spread throughout social media channels.

Even the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, gave a statement and accused German authorities of covering up the crime. This narrative took place in January 2016, the year after nearly a million refugees from Syria and other mainly Arabic countries came to Germany. The local police authorities quickly denied that the girl had been kidnapped or even raped, but the campaign went on and led to concern, agitation, and even demonstrations within the local group of Russian immigrants.

The rumours were fueled by the fact that the authorities, in the first statement, denied that any crime had been committed but later had to clarify that they were investigating a criminal case of sexual intercourse with minors. The police justified the initial statements with their aim to protect the girl.

People are more vulnerable to digital propaganda the less they are informed about democratic institutions, the political system, and the constitutional state. Since people cannot be forced to read or learn about these things, the condition can at least provide influencers like teachers, local politicians, NGO activists, and other “active citizens” with information and educational material. Full Story

Final Thoughts on the Topic of Propaganda Definition and Fake News

The many false articles experts pen stating that the market is going to crash or take off, and then when the opposite occurs, they pen another article voicing support for the exact outcome they once ridiculed. Well, that is a great example of propaganda in the financial sector. No other industry pushes out as many falsities as the financial sector; worse, they can do so with impunity.

Random poem to lift the mood

Let’s diverge from the best time to buy stocks to something a little bit amusing

In dreams’ embrace, let slumber be,
Where the moonbeams dance, so carefree.
Close your eyes, let worries go,
As peaceful thoughts begin to flow.

The stars above, like twinkling light,
Guide you through the peaceful night.
Soft whispers of the gentle breeze,
Bring dreams of wonder and sweet release.

In dreamland’s realm, a world unfolds,
Where magic weaves and stories are told.
Imagination takes flight, so grand,
As sleep’s gentle touch embraces your hand.

So rest your head upon the pillow fair,
Let dreams carry you through the midnight air.
With each peaceful breath, may slumber deep,
Bring you joy, and memories to keep.

May you find solace, in dreams so true,
And wake refreshed, when dawn breaks through.
Sleep tight, my dear, let peace be near,
For tomorrow’s adventures will soon appear