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It is a truism, of course, that in 'democratic' states the populace must be encouraged to imagine that it makes important decisions by voting, and must therefore be controlled by suitable propaganda, which implants ideas to which the voters respond as automatically as trained animals respond to words of command in a circus, thus leaving to the masses only a factitious choice between Tweedledum and Tweedledee on the basis of their preference for a certain kind of oratory, a hair-style, or a particular facial expression.

Revilo P. Oliver#6

PoliticsSocietyPropagandaControlDemocracyVoting

About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote claims democratic voting is an illusion maintained by propaganda to control the populace.
In plain terms
Voting in democracies is presented as meaningful but is actually controlled by propaganda.
What can you take from it?
Be critical of political messages that seem to offer choice without substance.

Where it applies

  • political analysis
  • media literacy
  • civic education

Putting it to work

  • critique political campaigns
  • analyze media bias
  • educate on voting systems

Questions to consider

  • How much of political choice is truly free?
  • What role does propaganda play in your decisions?

Another view

The quote assumes all voters are easily controlled and ignores genuine political engagement.

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