Fear-Based Life

Propaganda and Coercive Control Are Similar

Photo by M.T ElGassier on Unsplash

Propaganda and coercive control use similar tactics. A cult that traps people into a tar pit of weird beliefs has many of the same tools as the controlled media of a totalitarian state.

Propaganda - systemic propagation of a doctrine or cause or of information reflecting the view and interests of those advocating such a doctrine or cause.

Coercive Control - refers to a pattern of controlling behaviors that create an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. These behaviors give the perpetrator power over their partner, making it difficult for them to leave.

Fear

For example, for both propaganda and coercive control, fear is an important tool. The target needs to believe the threat is so large that all the rules about normal behavior don’t apply.

A prime example is when Rwandan radio RTLM was used to convey that Tutsi people were dangerous, and should be killed like cockroaches. Several years of that messaging …