The Power of Propaganda

It fits hand in hand with power, this force alters nations and opinions, force such as this are the bane of democracy and free thinking, for it nurtures itself on infidelity and rumor. Propaganda is a dangerous tool for any politician, or leader to have the ability to procure, as it convolutes thoughts into a manufactured belief. The book Animal Farm perfectly represents the devastating effects that transpire when propaganda becomes a component in a government. Propaganda needs to be halted in progress, for the safety of those it effects.

Individuals in position of authority have benefited immensely from the use of corruption in history. For example, during the climax of the Cold War, the U.S. government was feeding an ignorant population that thrived on propaganda, and the government achieved the goal of turning their people against the Russian citizens who were only guilty of living in a communist controlled country. In the book Animal Farm, propaganda becomes Napoleon’s main point of attack, for after the exile if Snowball, Napoleon’s primary opposition, Squealer is sent to inform the various residents of Animal Farm that during the duration of The Battle of The Cowshed, Snowball was in fact a double agent who had planned the farmers’ attack. This was a fable designed to strengthen the bond between leader and follower, as well as fracture fidelity to Snowball. In addition, when Napoleon began to behave like a human by drinking alcohol, standing on two legs, or killing in cold blood, Squealer was sent to reassure doubters that Napoleon was in no way, shape, or form breaking any rules. Most animals of average intelligence seemed to recall that the commandments had clearly stated “No animal shall sleep in a bed,” yet when the animals looked over the principles again, it proclaimed that “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” The animals of the farm learned to quickly accept the new rules, for they believed that Napoleon is always right.

While in Animal Farm, the propaganda is generated by pigs, the theme is true to reality, for in real life many members of humanity place too must trust in their governments and assume that all the information must be valid because it was told to them from the government. Stories and cases such as Animal Farm prove why education is the sponsor of a thriving democracy, those who do not comprehend the governmental issues will be susceptible to propaganda and lies from political candidates. Individuals who are illiterate, or ignorant are those who will allow absolute power to corrupt absolutely. The message in the book Animal Farm warns against the dangers of propaganda, and how it allows corruption to take over in society, it tells how gullible uneducated people will be. What sounds right to humanity’s ears, is under no circumstances the prodigious prospect that it seems.

What goes on behind the closed doors is ambiguous to some, which is why the citizens of a democracy must strive to educate themselves, so they can protect the people around them from unethical leaders. Humanity must not allow stories such as Animal Farm to become reality, because devastating events occur when propaganda molds people’s thoughts into a single entity, wrapped around one concept. People must be educated for their sanity, and safety.