So, the main task of manipulating public consciousness is to create an information space in society through various methods (persuasion, criticism of other states and societies, propaganda, "democratic" elections, political talk shows, various levels of "spectacle" for every taste) that will convince citizens that all (or most) government decisions are made for their benefit.
In other words, the goal is to create a society in which the majority of citizens are loyal to the ruling authority.
Of course, achieving loyalty and consensus is the goal of any authority and, in general, is not contradictory to the goals of society itself.
However, it is unfortunate that in reality, authorities often resort to manipulating public consciousness rather than achieving this through real economic and social policy successes, well-developed civil society institutions, effective executive power, and fair resource distribution.
One could say that they create the "right" optics for the perception and evaluation of their actions.
Manipulation can be either situational, related to specific events, or systemic, concerning the support of social institutions, processes, and norms necessary for the existence of the state, such as the military, parenting, elections, and so on.
Let's look at how systemic manipulation is carried out through these three examples.
So, the military.
Every state needs to defend itself and implement its policies not only through diplomatic means but also through military means.
For this, each country maintains armed forces - the army.
Scholars typically distinguish between the internal and external functions of this social institution:
a) External functions include maintaining the inviolability of borders, ensuring the sovereignty of the state, creating favorable conditions for the realization of an internal set of tasks, solving problems of common human significance, assisting victims of aggression, and supporting allies.
b) Internal functions include ensuring power for the dominant social group, stopping and preventing internal social conflicts that threaten the state's collapse, preserving its territorial integrity, instilling in citizens a readiness to defend their homeland, forming ethical behavior skills for future employment, and providing moral and psychological preparation for youth to face life's challenges.
The army can be conscripted or contracted, with most countries operating a mixed system. Regardless of the approach, states need to attract new fighters to the armed forces and ensure that the military receives society's respect.
To achieve this, both real and manipulative means are used.
Real means include various benefits (e.g., when entering a university or working in law enforcement agencies, military mortgages, etc.), acquiring useful life and professional skills during service (such as obtaining driver's licenses and civilian professions), and providing the opportunity to connect one's life with the military (short-term service).
Manipulative and propagandistic efforts include attempts to stimulate interest in military service through art, such as books and especially movies, in which a romanticized portrayal of service and relationships between comrades is created. These portrayals often depict military service as a continuous adventure filled with alcohol and love, with a group of cheerful and witty individuals who continuously engage in idiotic antics but only receive wise advice from caring and attentive officer mentors.
Clearly, the reality of military service differs significantly from what is depicted on the big screen.
Additionally, patriotic education begins as early as kindergarten, with young boys being dressed in military uniforms and sent on militarized excursions to places of military glory.
Patriotism itself is a normal quality in an adult personality, but it can manifest not only in military service but also in working for the defense industry, healthcare, or simply by any individual who works honestly and professionally in their chosen field, thereby contributing to their homeland's defense.
However, military service is often presented as a necessity for every young man, reinforced by phrases like "a man is not a man until he's served," "men become men only in the army," and "a man must defend his homeland."
These ideas are aggressively instilled, both through schools and by elder family members, as well as through mass culture.
As a result of these patterns being embedded, military service is perceived not as a civic duty but as a mandatory initiation for young men.
In fairness, it should be noted that there is also counter-propaganda against military service, which is also based on manipulating consciousness.
Some media deliberately portray army life in a way that triggers panic among the parents of conscripts, who then make every effort to secure their children's exemption from service.
Articles and reports about "hazing," poor nutrition, excessive physical demands, the inability to regain educational skills after service, and the belief that "the army is a wasted year" drive young people, especially those from large cities, to avoid the draft.
Parenthood is another form of systemic manipulation.
Each state is interested in population growth, and various social programs are implemented to support this goal, including incentives for parents and mortgage benefits.
Alongside this, there is ideological conditioning of the population, with movies and TV shows promoting the idea that "a family without children is not a family." Female characters in these media often strive for motherhood at any cost, even if it goes against their own life plans.
The logic of state manipulation regarding parenthood aligns with religious traditions: more children are encouraged, and abortion is seen as murder and, consequently, a mortal sin.
Paradoxically, in advertising, children are presented not as future citizens who need proper upbringing and ideally a good education and profession, but rather as accessories necessary for a happy life.
Advertisements show children eating chocolate, taking care of pets, and choosing apartments with their parents – in other words, they are portrayed as markers of family happiness.
This manipulation encourages women to prioritize motherhood primarily to avoid unwanted questions from those around them, like "when will you have children?"
As a result, women often have children without considering their ability to provide for and raise them properly, guided by the belief that "God gave me a child, He will provide for it."
Blindly following this stereotype prevalent in society can lead to disillusionment with motherhood, the breakdown of families, and domestic violence.
It's challenging to come to terms with the fact that real parenthood is far more financially and emotionally demanding than what is portrayed in advertising and movies, and that subsidies barely cover the most basic necessities like food and clothing for a child.
In a social context, women also face numerous challenges, despite what is often portrayed in TV series. A young mother doesn't automatically become the object of universal support and admiration. On the contrary, she encounters difficulties in finding employment, in social interactions, and even in exercising her maternal rights. We often see reports in the media about mothers who were asked to leave a café or museum because they were breastfeeding their child, which consistently sparks waves of outrage on social media.
Another significant challenge is the colossal difficulties in securing a spot for their children in daycare centers. All of these obstacles deprive young mothers, pushing them into frustration. Nevertheless, the government's objective is accomplished: a child is born and grows, contributing a new citizen to the country who will either give birth to the next generation or join the military service.
To be continued...
