© SOTT
In his dystopian classic
1984, George Orwell introduced the concept of newspeak. Better known today as doublespeak or doubletalk, even those who haven't read the book will probably recognize the phrases "war is peace" or "freedom is slavery". Orwell was inspired by the Soviets' abuse of language in their propaganda, something that leaders and PR firms everywhere engage in, but which was particularly pervasive in USSR and the nations who later adopted the Soviets' socialist model. But there's a deeper reason for doublespeak, revealed by Andrew Lobaczewski in his book
Political Ponerology.
Today on MindMatters, we look at the Czech "Dictionary of Totalitarianism", a project by several Czech academics analyzing the vocabulary of propaganda during the socialist period in Czechoslovakia. Using statistical analysis, the researchers were able to identify which words came into prominence and attached with that suggestive, emotional flavor typical of totalitarians and pathocrats, the euphemisms and stereotyped phrases, and the slurs used to demonize political enemies. We also look at a more modern text of revolutionary and potentially totalitarian ideology,
The Anti-Fascist Handbook.
Running Time: 01:06:53
Download: MP3 — 61.2 MB
On the Dictionary of Totalitarianism:
Harrison Koehli
Harrison Koehli co-hosts SOTT Radio Network's MindMatters, and is an editor for Red Pill Press. He has been interviewed on several North American radio shows about his writings on the study of ponerology. In addition to music and books, Harrison enjoys tobacco and bacon (often at the same time) and dislikes cell phones, vegetables, and fascists (commies too).
Corey Schink
Corey Schink was born and raised in the Midwestern United States, where he worked on farms and as a welder, musician, and social worker. His interests in government, philosophy and history led to his writing for SOTT in 2012 and to becoming a SOTT editor and SOTT Radio co-host in 2014. He now resides in North Carolina, where he enjoys the magnificent views of the Appalachian Mountains.
I read an opinion somewhere that SOTT is associated with the CIA which I find unlikely, but everything must be questioned these days, for sure. Given the on-going crises in our contemporary world, why would someone bring up the Western 1950s propagandistic blather against 'communism' and 'socialism' (and ANTIFA - did they find no way to fit in other-sexed/gendered, Darwinists, and atheists?) unless it's a joke, using propaganda to criticize propaganda. I am wary, and weary, of rabbit holes.