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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mass movements often create fear or dissatisfaction first, then present themselves as the solution to win followers.
In plain terms
Movements sometimes create problems just to offer their fix as the answer.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of groups that solve problems they may have helped create.

Where it applies

  • political campaigns
  • religious recruitment
  • social movements

Putting it to work

  • critical thinking
  • media literacy
  • community organizing

Questions to consider

  • How can you spot when a problem is being manufactured?
  • Who benefits from making people feel inadequate?

Another view

Not all movements use this tactic intentionally or consciously.

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