“War Made Easy” (Final Edit)

Why don’t we, in the USA, believe that our own government uses propaganda?

After watching the documentary, “War Made Easy” by The Disinformation Company, Ltd., there is no questioning that the United States government does and will continue to use propaganda. However, we as Americans do not believe it. Through the use of media and other sophisticated planned efforts, the U.S. government has planted its propaganda into our daily lives and done an excellent job of covering it up.
The documentary does a fantastic job of highlighting the hope that the American people have in their government. The idea that we cannot trust the information our government and, by extension, our media are feeding to us, especially on such powerful issues like war, suggests a failure of everything this country stands for. Because of this, the U.S. government has taken extra measures in an effort to control the public's knowledge and opinions about their decisions. One such example of this is taking place during the war in Iraq. The government hand selected the media reporters that went over to Iraq. They planted journalists within the military to convey the messages and images they wanted their public to see. The government itself largely shapes our conception of the war in Iraq. Why do we not know this? Because the government does not want us to and they have done a great job of keeping it that way.
Another way in which the government has controlled our knowledge of their use of propaganda is through fear-based appeals. This is a proven successful way to gain support for war and is, in fact, a use of propaganda. The government has used this method to gain support for the war in Iraq. After the attacks on 9/11, Americans were terrified and the government jumped on this opportunity for war. Fear, in itself, offers enough incentive for the American people to second-guess the government’s intentions and motives. Government official after government official has uttered the phrases “terrorist attacks”, “weapons of mass destruction”, and similar. Doing so instills a fear into Americans that causes us to put all our trust into the decision making of the government. The government does not want us to know how they are using our fear against us, which is exactly why most of us are unaware of it to this day.
This documentary has really opened my eyes to the government’s use of propaganda and the effects it can have on our nation. If our government wants something, they can and will get it. The power and influence of the United States government is so strong that it has the ability to plant its propaganda into our daily lives while keeping that very fact unknown to its people through the use of the media and other outlets.

About Me!

A few things you shoould know about me include how I spend my time. I am currently a Senior at Hamline University, graduating in May. Between school I spend my time as a nanny for a four, three, and one year old. Caring for these children over the last three years has taught me patience, dedication, compassion, and time management. They have certainly kept me on my toes and I feel my experiences with them will carry over into every aspect of my future. When I am not at school or with the kids, I spend my time working at Commercial Plumbing & Heating doing mostly accounting. I have been working in the office here for a few years now and have been promoted three times. I love what I do and the people I work with.
My strong work ethic leaves little free time, but the time I do have is spent with friends and family. I love to travel and experience new things. Recent places I have visited include Boston, Puerto Vallarta, and St. Louis.
You have gotten to know a little bit about me now and I hope you enjoy my blog!