Some Personal Thoughts Regarding "The Way Of Things." | paradoxa's Blog

The following is a description of the working mechanisms which comprise the complementary constituents of psychology and propaganda. These systematic, humanistic functions are used upon the masses to manipulate, guide and mould, via suggestion, the human psyche. The most likely result causes the individual to come to what they think are their own conclusions and promotes “prescribed” actions or reactions to any given situation. In the following, the term “individual” is used when referring to a person in the general public; those who adhere themselves to authorised relations. When it is used in the classical sense, to imply a person is a “true” individual; those forming their own relations, it will be stated as such.   

It is the result of these methods that have trained people to view the world through conditioned eyes; they see only what they have been taught to see, nothing more. The same also applies to that of hearing; they only hear what their trained walls of conditioned scrutiny allows through; the “authorised” version. Many a reader will naturally exclude themselves from this category, however, in many cases; one ascribes contrary to the latter. It is not the intention to belittle the reader, nor is it the intention to adhere condescendence in regard ones worth; that is to say, the cause of this conditioning comes not from an individuals will, but via external sources of influence; be it television, radio or parental deception, a simple misguidance of passing on that which was taught to them. The intention is simple; rather than attempting to “form” the readers mind to a desired shaped pillar of society, it is hoped this will “inform” the reader, allowing them to shape their own minds; the individuals disposition of their psychological framework.  

It is rather difficult to elaborate on one technique without incorporating the other into the equation, as previously stated, they compliment each other. Therefore, they shall be discussed in no particular order. In the realm of psychology the psychologist obtains several avenues for mental exploration; the conscious, subconscious and unconscious. Each of these brain levels harbour the potential of being persuaded, either into apparent self-conclusions, perceptions, actions or awareness, among others. The psychologist knows this well, and is likewise trained to exploit this potential through the use of propaganda, social-equality and manipulating the individuals conceptions regarding social-acceptance and a sense of belonging. Most people feel they need to belong, due to psychological conditioning, to some form of group, council or community committee. This, being a social network of sorts, of working together, creates the illusion that one has gained the acceptance of their fellow workers, of whom also seek that of which you crave. The basic definition of psychology is described as; 1: the science that deals with mental processes and behaviour, 2: the emotional and behavioural characteristics of an individual, group, or activity, and 3: subtle tactical actions or arguments used to manipulate or influence another.           

One does not need to see a psychologist to be manipulated; psychological methods can be employed via advertisement, radio, magazines, educational institutes, television etc. for example; Edward Bernays, in his book “Propaganda,” p. 77-78, describes a standard method of influencing the public mind (psychologically) with the assisting hand of propaganda;

“The modern propagandist therefore sets to work to create circumstances which will modify that custom. He appeals perhaps to the home instinct which is fundamental. He will endeavour to develop public acceptance of the idea of the music room in the home. This he may do, for example, by organizing an exhibition of period music rooms designed by well-known decorators who themselves exert an influence on the buying groups. He enhances the effectiveness and prestige of these rooms by putting in them rare and valuable tapestries. Then, in order to create dramatic interest in the exhibit, he stages an event or ceremony. To this ceremony key people, persons known to influence the buying habits of the public, such as a famous violinist, popular artists, and a society leader, are invited. These key people affect other groups, lifting the idea of the music room to a place in the public consciousness which it did not have before….Meanwhile, influential architects have been persuaded to make the music room an integral architectural part of their plans with perhaps a special charming niche in one corner for the piano. Less influential architects will as a matter of course imitate what is done by the men whom they consider masters of their profession. They in turn will implant the idea of the music room in the minds of the general public. The music room will be accepted because it has been made the thing. And the man or woman who has a music room, or has arranged a corner of the parlor as a musical corner, will naturally think of buying a piano. It will come to him as his own idea.”  

This example, although basic, is nonetheless manipulative and effective. It shows quite clearly the simplifications of psychologically influencing the publics mind into accepting “new” ideas, and conforming, like good little sheep, to follow what seems to be in trend at the time; one finds they must mimic their betters, idols, neighbours, and so on, or otherwise run the risk of being labelled the black-sheep of the block, or worse still, an outcast. This would be avoided at all costs as acquiring this label would instil, within the individuals mind, the feeling of not belonging and being socially unaccepted. To acquire acceptance, a sense of belonging, is to display your ability to conform, to toe-the-line, to follow the herd as to avoid being “left behind.” None of these qualities are found within the psychological framework of a “true” individual, none of these qualities are even looked upon conceptually. It is only the vast majority who perceive this concept, they feel they must; it is an effect of their psychological conditioning. William H. Whyte, Jr. a recognized leading figure in the analysis of contemporary American culture provides an example of this in his book “The Organization Man,” p. 7. It is unfortunate, however, that one is forbidden to quote even the smallest part of this book due to copyright law. Such is freedom of speech!

Consider the world as a motherboard, like those found in a computer, the motherboard representing the puppet-masters domain, from which constituent chips stem, these represent organizational instruments used for shaping the social structure and the very nature of our existence. In other words, all means of mental distraction are designed to manipulate the public mind, to insert, via suggestion and leadership guidance, means of stupefying their susceptible audience into following their masters every whim. There may be little objection in certain areas, this, however, is quickly dismissed. One finds it easier to “toe-the-line” as apposed to solidifying the realisation that they are being used; a mere pawn in a global agenda. Creating ripples would only result with their social exclusion, and this is the fundamental reason why the majority refuse to allow themselves to stray from the “herd of social acceptance and belonging.”  

As mentioned previously, the common perception of reality has been downloaded into the public mind via external sources and parental deception. The current generation’s perception differs slightly to that of our parents, as does our parents from their parents. This is due to systematic generational upgrades; this creates avenues for separating one generation from the other, of breaking down the concept of family. This is apparent simply by looking at the associations between the family of today and that of the past. It is rare, in this day and age, to find an entire family sitting round the dinner table. The reader may object to this by saying; “what about all the European families, the religious families, and the like; they still do this.” Indeed, they do. They do this by way of tradition; but whose tradition? It is of the opinion that tradition originates from within the family, and each generation carries it on. If this is true, than what of the Tooth-Fairy, or Santa Clause; It is likely that neither of these traditions began in the readers family, yet, it is just as likely that the reader practices this upon their children, just as it was practiced upon them. For those of a religious nature, it is no surprise if they are found to celebrate Christmas, but what of the non-religious? It’s not their religion, why take on the tradition? The examples could go on for ever, but the reason is simple;

It all stems from that sense of belonging, of being socially accepted. Telling people that you don’t celebrate Christmas, Easter or any of the systematically created “norms,” they look upon you as though you suffer from some unexplainable mental condition; they simply can not comprehend the possibility of someone excluding the “way of things” from their lives. They have been conditioned; they are a constituent conduit of their motherboards programme.