At one time, saying, "I saw it on TV," added a degree of credibility to a statement. Of course that was long ago and short lived, but that hasn't stopped misrepresentations from being effective in terms of creating false public perceptions. Sometimes people hear what they want to hear and seek to have their biases confirmed, but one thing has been proven time and again; the more times your repeat something, the more people who will believe that it is true. For those with the resources to broadcast their messages repeatedly from the biggest platforms available, that dynamic often means the ability to manufacture consent – or at least indifference.
Albert Einstein said, "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I am not sure about the former." We are creatures of habit and most of us live with this wild notion that things happen the way they are suppose to. In the big universal and spiritual sense, I'm not sure that it isn't true. But in the real world, where the early bird gets the worm and not turning the wheel or applying the brakes means you're gonna crash -- things aren't quite that simple.
I am not suggesting we should be suspect of everything, yet keeping common sense close at hand and remembering that just because something is said over and over again doesn't make it's true, would seem to be a good strategy. It also might be clever to remember -- "I saw it on TV" or the "internet," has migrated from being credible to being a joke.
TV, newspapers and the internet are still the venues the cons and swindlers use to bring the confidence game into our world. Perhaps we think we are protected regarding most of the information we get through the media because it is monitored by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but such is hardly the case.
The art of deceit is most often dressed-up as "trustworthy looking for trustworthy," and sharing a common goal. The mark (the one to be convinced), is swayed with props that suggest by sharing a perception, both parties will benefit or prosper.
thebradentontimes.com
Editor's Note: Please take the time to read this article, it does become relevant!
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