PRP - Critical Thinking Lesson
Critical Thinking
Political propaganda is not unique to Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia. In fact, political discourse in a democracy includes frequent use of propaganda and negative attacks. Unfortunately, the research shows that words with negative connotations have a lasting impact on our opinions.
Reading Assignment: "Subliminal Advertising Works"
Perhaps the most complete form of propaganda is "brainwashing." The compound word itself is ominous. Can words and ideas be implanted into the minds of others? Certainly there is a genre of fiction that portends this possibility. From 1984 to The Matrix, the notion that our minds are not our own resounds with eerie accuracy.
Reading Assignment: "Brainwashing & Mind Control Techniques"
Click here to read the article "Brainwashing & Mind Control Techniques." Links to an external site.
Brainwashing and all forms of propaganda depend on victims of simplified thinking. The only defense against these tactics is critical thinking. Be wary of connotations (particularly negative inferences) and savvy with implied associations.
Watch the following video about critical thinking to learn more.
Here is another video about critical thinking. View the video to learn more.
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