It is important to note when and where propaganda is being utilized, especially so since a majority of populations in the West have only lived through and with ‘free democratic’ societies.  Even moreso, since the end of the Cold War, with the West ‘winning’ against Communism and the evil Russian systems, we have been programmed to believe that propaganda only occurs in ‘those other places’.  In ‘those other places’, populations have become so distrustful and cynical against their governments due to constant lies and propaganda – they can clearly see how the West lives and advertises its culture even though their governments continuously state how bad and evil the West is.  The very term ‘politically correct’ is believed to originate from the communist Soviet culture – people in private discuss the actual correct truths and facts, and differentiate these from what they are told are the accepted facts from government.  Something obvious in private conversation is considered ‘correct’, versus the allowed version, or the ‘politically-correct’ version of truth – the version they are supposed to believe for show since it’s expedient to go along with the government, else risk being caught.

Propaganda is very old, and has been used throughout time.  For Westerners, it is said that the two World Wars were peak times for use of propaganda, in which the enemy (Germany at those times) was portrayed as evil, subhuman murderers.  It could be argued this is ‘good’ propaganda.  It was a campaign of lies and fear, to enrage a passive public into supporting the fight against an aggressor.  The ends justify the means since ‘we’ won and preserved world order and peace (arguably of course).  Propaganda is and has been used in democracies in its ‘good’ form as a necessity, to guide ‘the bewildered herd’ to do and vote for what is good for the greater portion of societies.  Propaganda campaigns can use cherry-picked facts or data that may not be one hundred percent true, but if the end result is beneficial, then the ‘ends justify the means’. ‘Good’ propaganda in democracies could coerce the masses to end littering, reduce child or partner abuse, eliminate racism, etc. If information used is not exactly accurate or even true, but the end result is for a better society, then this fits the description of ‘the Noble Lie’.

Propaganda for other purposes however, is quite a separate topic. This can go beyond just Machiavellianism.

To recognize if/when propaganda is being utilized in a bad way (anti-democratic), there are easy signs to track (source – Mark Crispin Miller, who previously had a Propaganda 101 course):

1. Propaganda repeats messaging ad-nauseam.  Mantras, catch-phrases, alliteration, and childish rhymes are used.
2. Fear tactics and any means to anger, rile up, divide the public are repeatedly used.  This instead of the opposite – appealing to calm, rational thought, avoiding negative and fearful messages, and using cooperative, uniting messaging.
3. Propaganda avoids at all costs arguments, debates, questions, rational discourse.  It will slander, muck-rake opponents and never confront them or allow data to argue with.  No dissenting voice will be given any chance to address the statements.
4. Propaganda is always in the form of speeches, dictates, rules, and decrees to sway people.  To put the thoughts into the publics’ head passively which is why television and SM ideal.
5. Propaganda is coordinated and rehearsed to ensure consistent messaging.  It is the opposite of discourse – science is questioning, engaging debate, encouraging dissent and analysis.  Propaganda never does or wants this, it only wants to dictate and state authority.  Does not want people thinking, which is why fear and anger is the first choice. Fear paralyzes people’s thoughts and makes them receptive to guidance and control.

As with counter-terror surveillance and laws passed post-9/11, C19 laws under emergency state also have not stopped or helped with virus.  Both are about expanding state powers and control, neither are for the states purpose of safety.  The same fear tactics allowed these measures to be put in place permanently.  As in indirect benefit for the State, these pointless measures also serve as a symbolic means to humiliate people, who know that checking their vaccine passport at a restaurant is subversive and saves no one, but they are forced to do the theatre anyway.