>>136839, >>136840 Three ways that are most relevant to defending against propaganda: 1) Be aware of the general perspective that others use to frame the problem or issue at hand, because accepting their frame on their terms gives them a powerful advantage. Be aware when the author has inserted his understanding of situations that do not fall into the category of the article headline. 2) Be sensitive to situational demands however trivial they may seem: group norms, group pressures, symbols of authority, slogans, and commitments. Don't believe in simple solutions to complex personal, social, and political problems. Use an article as merely a suggestion of what may be believed. Especially as the tactics grow more and more refined, more and more subtle, and more and more persuasive, we find that the minute we stop observing with a critical eye, we have already been persuaded. We let ourselves fall prey to propaganda when we have grown too weary to defend ourselves. 3) It must be remembered that it is not enough to dissent vocally - one must be willing to disobey, to defy, to challenge, and to suffer any ensuing consequences of these actions. The main theme of prevention is awareness; understand the situation and act accordingly. Only through this can one recognize persuasive tactics in propaganda and how they shape our beliefs.
