Protect Yourself From Media Like This...

Summary

In this video, the creator explores the subtle and dangerous nature of fascist propaganda in media, using the 2002 film *Hero* as a primary example. Despite its surface-level anti-fascist themes, the film ultimately promotes an authoritarian ideology, subtly persuading viewers toward fascist ideals through storytelling techniques. The video breaks down ten propaganda tactics used in *Hero*, such as gradual ideological shifts, glorification of opposing sides, and the manipulation of viewers' emotions, all while emphasizing the importance of being aware of these methods to protect against their influence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is not about writing extremist propaganda but about understanding how to protect yourself from it through media consumption.
• 😀 The focus of the video is on how media, specifically propaganda, can subtly influence non-believers or skeptics and shift their ideologies.
• 😀 The example movie used to illustrate this concept is *Hero* (2002), a Chinese film that initially seems anti-fascist but later reveals fascist propaganda in its messaging.
• 😀 The film's storyline centers on the rise of a powerful emperor who unites China through violence, presenting authoritarianism as a solution to chaos.
• 😀 The central question is how a person with anti-authoritarian beliefs can be manipulated into sympathizing with fascism or autocratic ideals.
• 😀 Propaganda aimed at skeptics or non-believers works by encouraging emotional connections and making extreme ideologies seem more relatable and palatable.
• 😀 *Hero* uses a powerful narrative structure where the protagonist initially seeks to kill the emperor but has a change of heart, shifting the movie's ideological stance by the end.
• 😀 One tactic used in *Hero* is to delay the propaganda message until the final act, allowing the audience to empathize with the protagonist before revealing the ideological shift.
• 😀 The film also promotes 'growth' rather than 'change,' presenting ideological shifts as natural steps in personal evolution rather than a dramatic alteration of core beliefs.
• 😀 *Hero* glorifies both sides of the ideological conflict, portraying the anti-authoritarian cause sympathetically, but ultimately positioning the authoritarian solution as a more mature resolution to societal chaos.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of this video?

The video’s main purpose is not to teach how to write extremist propaganda but to explain how to protect oneself from consuming dangerous propaganda in media, specifically in films like *Hero*, which subtly promote fascist ideologies.

How does the video distinguish between the two types of propaganda?

The video categorizes propaganda into two types: 1) Propaganda for insiders, aimed at reinforcing existing beliefs (e.g., patriotic or religious propaganda) and 2) Propaganda aimed at outsiders, which seeks to lower emotional barriers and make extreme ideologies seem more palatable to skeptics.

Why is *Hero* considered an example of effective propaganda?

The movie *Hero* is considered an example of effective propaganda because it subtly shifts the audience's ideological stance without them realizing it, by initially portraying anti-fascist themes and then pivoting to glorify authoritarianism and fascism in the final act.

What role does the character of Nameless play in the ideological shift of the film?

Nameless serves as the protagonist whose transformation from an assassin seeking vengeance to someone who supports the Emperor’s vision of peace exemplifies the ideological shift in the film. His change of heart is framed as personal growth rather than a moral contradiction, making the fascist ideology seem more appealing.

How does the film avoid directly confronting the audience with its fascist message?

The film avoids directly confronting the audience by presenting most of the story as anti-fascist and focusing on the protagonist’s struggle against the emperor. It’s only in the final act that the fascist ideology is revealed, making it harder for the audience to resist, as they’ve already empathized with the protagonist.

How does the film use calligraphy as a metaphor for ideological growth?

Calligraphy in the film is used as a metaphor for the development of ideas. The stronger the calligraphy (or swordsmanship), the more enlightened the character is, culminating in the idea that the highest level of swordsmanship is non-violence, representing the ideological growth from violence to peace.

What is the significance of the ‘growth’ concept in the movie’s messaging?

The movie frames the protagonist's ideological shift not as a change in core values but as growth. This subtle distinction makes the shift in thinking appear as a natural progression rather than a forced transformation, which makes it easier for the audience to accept.

How does *Hero* glorify the anti-authoritarian cause without undermining it?

The movie glorifies the anti-authoritarian cause by portraying the assassins' struggles as noble and their efforts as heroic. However, when the protagonist shifts allegiance, it doesn't discredit the anti-authoritarian cause but instead presents authoritarianism as a more mature, necessary solution to the pain and chaos caused by war.

How does the movie handle the concept of violence in relation to peace?

The movie presents violence as a necessary tool to achieve peace, arguing that while violence may be required to unite the kingdom, it ultimately leads to peace and prosperity. This is reinforced by the protagonist's final decision to spare the Emperor, symbolizing a sacrifice for the greater good of the nation.

What is the purpose of the Squarespace advertisement in the middle of the video?

The Squarespace advertisement in the video serves as a light-hearted, contrasting moment that breaks the tension of the ideological analysis. The ad humorously introduces the idea of using Squarespace to build creative websites for storytelling, tying into the overall theme of how media and storytelling can influence audiences.