If propaganda is just the the propagation of ideas whether factual or not, should we cease to use it as a derogatory term for misinformation/disinformation and instead just call it such?
If propaganda is just the the propagation of ideas whether factual or not, should we cease to use it as a derogatory term for misinformation/disinformation and instead just call it such?
I think it could be useful for plainly describing what types of ideas something is propagating (capitalist propaganda, communist propaganda, etc). However, the word is too polemic to be used matter-of-factly and I’m doubtful that we’re going to reclaim it any time soon.
It’s good to be wary of people that dismiss stuff by calling it “propaganda” without elaboration, though. People often get stuck in confirmation bias bubbles where everything that challenges their worldview is seen as “propaganda” but everything that conforms to it is considered the value-neutral, objective truth. It’s by these people where the word sees its most use, in my experience.