Thread: Cold War between US and Russia (again)?

Originally Posted by Deborski

Maybe you misinterpret my frustration for "hate."

Well, maybe I did misinterpret.

But I'd point out that "brainwashed" is a decidedly loaded and pejorative term -- no one ever says it about someone whose point-of-view they agree with!

You coulda said, more neutrally, "a lot of Americans are more influenced by mass media than they realize" or "corporate messages play a historically unprecedented role in the socialization and enculturation of modern Americans," or whatever.

Originally Posted by Throbert McGee

Well, maybe I did misinterpret.

But I'd point out that "brainwashed" is a decidedly loaded and pejorative term -- no one ever says it about someone whose point-of-view they agree with!

You coulda said, more neutrally, "a lot of Americans are more influenced by mass media than they realize" or "corporate messages play a historically unprecedented role in the socialization and enculturation of modern Americans," or whatever.

To be fair, in both cases you cited, I was replying to another person's comment.
Neverthless, point taken.
Though I must add that I am not sure why I am the one singled out to be upbraided for a word several others have also employed.

Originally Posted by Throbert McGee

But I'd point out that "brainwashed" is a decidedly loaded and pejorative term -- no one ever says it about someone whose point-of-view they agree with!

Yes, most people use that word as a strong synonym of "wrong". I prefer different treatment though. "Brainwashed" is a person who takes some statement as a dogma and is unable to consider it critically. Any opposition, non-canonical treatment of even formulation of that statement switches a reflex of a brainwashed person and makes it not only ignore the point of the whole message but even enrages. Basically "brainwashed" person has not a point-of-view but only an illusion. For me it is extremely disgusting no matter of the side taken. In a discussion the support from the brainwashed "ally" can ruin any position if accepted.

"Brainwashed" effect mostly is not (only) the effect of state (or whatever) propaganda but the result of the intellectual laziness plus active position. A person enjoys the feeling that they have a point-of-view but does not want to work to make it.

The effect is widespread everywhere but can be dangerous only in certain configurations. Namely "brainwashed" external politics (1) of the powerful (2) democratic (3) state is a dangerous combination.

democratic (3) - brainwashed people can actually influence real decisions
powerful (2) - decisions can be of a really high stakes and can actually be implemented
external politics (1) - "brainwashed" people can easily ignore the actual consequences of implementing the decisions because they don't suffer from the results. Other people suffer.

If compared USA to Russia the latter is way not so powerful and way not so democratic even if in the same way obsessed with external politics. That's why "brainwashing" in Russia is not the phenomenon of the same danger level as "brainwashing" in USA.

Summary: more power should bring more responsibility.