By Matthew Hayward
The pervasive influence of propaganda and manipulation is undeniable for all who have the eyes to see. Those who do not actively engage in political discourse but still vote are often the most susceptible to these influences. These individuals, whom I refer to as Non-Player Characters* (NPCs), are often highly educated yet fail to recognize the propaganda and slick salesmanship embedded in news stories. This dynamic raises important questions about the true nature of our Republic and the illusion of moderation.
The NPC Phenomenon
NPCs represent a segment of the population that passively consumes information without critical engagement. They are often well-educated, possessing degrees and accolades. Yet, these educated masses of NPCs are susceptible to propaganda because our education system does not equip us with the critical thinking skills to discern truth from manipulation. Instead, they become adept at absorbing and regurgitating information presented by authoritative sources without questioning the underlying motives.
The great tragedy is that an NPC can't be self-aware that they are an NPC. Instead, everyone who reads this will fancy themselves the exception, an enlightened person who is intellectually immune and above the fray from the hurricane of propaganda. They may admit to occasionally being influenced by a cheeseburger or a beer ad, but when it comes to bigger matters, they are educated-thinking individuals, so they beleive.
Maybe try reading my blog with an open mind and then evaluate how free your mind is; start with: Shattering Worldviews: Pursuing Intellectual Honesty in a Disconnected World.
Propaganda and Control
Propaganda operates subtly and pervasively, shaping public opinion and guiding behavior in ways that benefit the ruling elite. Edward Bernays, the father of public relations, understood this deeply, stating, "Propaganda is the executive arm of the invisible government." By controlling the narratives, those in power ensure that the masses remain compliant and unaware of the true extent of their manipulation.
COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign
The COVID-19 vaccine campaign is a prime example of modern propaganda. Governments worldwide implemented extensive campaigns to promote vaccination, portraying it as a moral obligation and a societal duty. Public figures, celebrities, and influencers were enlisted to endorse the vaccine, creating a unified front that left little room for dissent. Public service announcements, corporate messaging, and social media platforms reinforced this narrative, often shaming or ostracizing those who hesitated. This multifaceted approach ensured widespread compliance, highlighting the power of coordinated propaganda in shaping public behavior.
(By the way, if you are reading this and think, "I did not take the vaccine, therefore I am not an NPC," think again. While you may be off to a good start, there are a number of people who are off the mainstream propaganda train, who subscribe to a whole different stream of propaganda. Please keep reading.)
The Illusion of Moderation
What happens when the propaganda war enters political campaigns? In political arenas, the preference for moderate candidates is often seen as a safeguard against extremism. However, this moderation is an illusion. When one "extreme" advocates for a return to constitutional principles and limited government, and the other extreme pushes for government intervention and increased debt, the so-called moderate position merely represents a compromise that continues to erode individual freedoms and moves us into accepting tyranny.
The true danger of compromise and moderation lies in the incremental loss of liberty. Each small concession made in the name of moderation adds to significant shifts in power away from the people and towards the state. Making matters worse, rarely are these subtle changes and loss of freedom constitutional without rationalizing hundreds of previous poor interpretations and case law that has bastardized the very clear intent of our founding documents. As George Washington warned, "If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment... But let there be no change by usurpation, for though this may be the instrument of good in one instance; it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed."
Active Participation vs. Passive Acceptance
Those who are most active on the ground in political movements typically support candidates who advocate for significant change and a return to fundamental principles. In contrast, those who are less involved but possess money and influence often choose moderate candidates who promise stability and continuity. This dynamic ensures that the moderate candidate, who is seen as the lesser of two evils, prevails, perpetuating the status quo, as well as maintaining the positions of power and prestige of the monied interests who keep their hooks in the candidate and the players involved in the corrupt process.
Money and Influence in Elections
A glaring example of modern propaganda is how money and influence shape voting and elections. Wealthy individuals and organizations often back candidates with substantial financial support, attempting to create a self-fulfilling prophecy of viability. These candidates use their funds to dominate media coverage, spreading their message and creating an image of inevitable success. The media, understanding the power of propaganda and its reliance on money, not to mention the ads they might buy, frequently cover these well-funded candidates, amplifying their presence and assisting in creating a self-perpetuating cycle of influence and power.
Entire essays can be, and have been written about the two-party system and the fact that a majority of Americans do not identify or care for either major political party, yet the NPCs guarantee that we will never have another option as they are bought into the propaganda and self-fulfilling prophecies of the masters of information.
The Devilish Plan of Incremental Enslavement
Is the incremental approach to increasing government control a deliberate strategy to enslave and control the population or just the result of strategic interests attempting to maintain power and control? By presenting gradual changes as moderate and reasonable, the ruling elite can avoid backlash while steadily eroding freedoms. Perhaps there is a sinister plan by the elites to enslave the population, but more likely, we are headed down this road by chance, and either way, most who are active participants are only doing so for their own personal and philosophical interests.
Just think about the liberties lost and never regained after 9/11/2001: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin. As David Hume observed, "It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once."
The illusion of moderation masks a sinister reality: the incremental loss of freedom and the consolidation of power in the hands of the state. NPCs, despite their education, remain oblivious to this manipulation, consuming propaganda without question. To break free from this cycle, it is essential to address our education system and foster critical thinking to challenge the narratives presented by those in power. We must find a way to actively engage the NPCs in meaningful political discourse. Only then can we reclaim our autonomy and ensure that liberty remains the cornerstone of our society.
*NPCs or non-playable character: a character in a computer game that is not controlled by someone playing the game but that responds with only limited preprogramming, without the ability to adapt or reason.
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