You bring to mind the old radio and TV series 'What the Papers Say'. The media are missing a trick if they don't give you your own show - What the Papers Don't Say.
This is another fascinating trawl of the news that focuses on individual stories. What has been missing up until now is consideration of some of the general trends. George Aliferis and Sam Bright are clearly addressing that gap, something we desperately need.
It would be interesting to consider how current state-backed disinformation and influence manipulation activities align with what we know of Soviet era approaches. Throughout the Bolshevik / Communist regime in Russia, rewriting history and erasing or manipulating evidence were common practices. As early as the 1930s, Stalin's government was doctoring photographs to erase key figures that had fallen from grace.
As time went on, they continued to employ strategies perfected at home to undermine hostile regimes around the world. America developed similar strategies, deploying them in many parts of the world. Ironically, its successes often precipitated the rise of extremist groups who were hostile to America in places such as Iran. Having installed the Pahlavi as Shah, his government became a perfect incubator for the Islamic regime that causes so many issues in that part of the world today.
The internet has been a game-changer for this type of activity. Ironically (again), it is the tools developed by American companies that have amplified the power of these strategies. Facebook and Twitter, in particular, have allowed actors to utilise them to greater effect. They have permitted far wider dissemination, at greater speed, than prior communication tools could achieve. Mark Twain's old saw about the speed of a lie versus that of truth needs updating. "A lie has travelled the Milky Way before the truth has thought about putting on its boots!"
The application of these strategies in the media industries, such as gaming, or the once more fringe interests, such as comics, shows how fans of those have learned from these Cold War skirmishes. At the same time, there has been a greater recognition of the value of utilising fans of these to widen the range of channels through which to promulgate key messages.
Aliferis is right to highlight the increased engagement in the cultural and ideological implications of gaming feedback, for instance. Gamergate and Comicsgate are prime examples of this. Both of these have brought the potential for audiences to become participants in the current influencer campaigns that were once limited to political interest groups. Considering the demographics of such groups, often comprised of those on the fringe of social engagement, this widening has both coarsened debate and increased the level of aggression among participants.
What is most interesting at the present moment is the 'right-washing' of key political positions. Since the murder of Charlie Kirk, key figures on the right have been pushing narratives that demonise those on the left of the political spectrum. We are seeing more commentators pushing back aggressively against accusations of 'fascist' or 'racist' leanings. What were previously considered 'far-right' views are being promoted as 'common-sense' or 'conservative' (as opposed to Conservative) positions.
Returning to Bright's analysis, we are seeing the effective deployment of these Cold War strategies across a far wider range of groups than ever before. Many of these groups are composed of aggrieved members of society who feel excluded because of their social or economic conditions. The question of how much this is the fault of Russian actors (or Chinese, North Korean, Iranian or other hostile states) is a valid one; however, it may also be necessary to look to nations such as America for users of these strategies.
Perhaps more accurately, it might be more appropriate to look at 'supra-nationalist' individuals who have amassed considerable fortunes. Elon Musk comes to mind as a prime example, but there are plenty more. Whilst Musk has been incredibly forthright in his political views, and has engaged prominently in activities that have placed him in the spotlight, there are plenty more people involved in financing groups and individuals who have become key players in the present struggle.
Ultimately, this has become a far more complex situation. The interests of many of these groups and individuals clearly overlap. Admittedly, though, there are differences. The bigger question is how to push back against this. With so many well-financed groups and individuals seizing control of the channels of communication and engaging so many individuals to promote key ideological messages that are presently doing so much political and social damage, the future looks grim. The dystopian visions of so many writers look increasingly likely right now. How do we avoid that future, though?
It isn't just the far right like Y-L who have been taking Russia's coin and doffing their caps.
Let us not forget that Cameron and Johnson and the Conservatives as a whole, all grifting supplicants to great wealth, sucked down donations from Russians resident in the UK.
And when I say Russians I mean the sort whose vast wealth was accrued under Putin and I can confidently say that they don't stay that rich or alive unless they are doing his bidding.
There is more to that scandal than Reform and Farage.
Reducing benefits is a false economy. Yes, it reduces government "spending" but, and it is a big but, it is a mistake. Many people on benefits are barely surviving as it is and any money that they have spare will go into the local economy - shops etc. If they have even less to spend these will close and then you will get even more headlines in the press about the " death of the high street ".
P.S. A lot of this money will eventually go back to the government in taxes.
Great description of the nonsense in the media. Loved the idea of the Far Rage issues driving the rise of right wing support of nonsensical headlines and your description of the housing market. Excellent, thank you, but I didn't feel the need to take A Level English at school. Does that make me too ignorant to claim my pension?
You know what I'd like to cut? Some of the freebies, the junkets, the multiple overpaid jobs these ghouls have. Some of us spend 37.5+ hours a week working for a lot less. Some of us are currently battling ongoing health issues whilst continuing to attempt to deliver a full time job. Some of us have personal troubles to deal with.
I'd also be happy to cut the endless slavering coverage afforded to loud mouthed nobodies, to has-beens, to those whose only ability seems to be to out-shout everyone else. To those who have egregiously and repeatedly broken the laws of this land and several others, yet miraculously remain free to continue to behave just as they please, shorn of any responsibility, consequence or karma.
As far as emptying the wealthiest enclaves of London goes, bring it on. Those mausoleums are a by-word for all that is wrong about home ownership, and encouraging people with that much spare cash to be here can't end well. It surely only means that their tax-light money is going to a tax haven, which in itself feels dodgy.
Gamer culture is a foreign land to an old fart like me.
On YouTube I keep up with a a channel called 'I've Had It' which consists of two sweary blondes from middle America who spend their time ripping Trump, Maga and their associates new rectal orifices, sometimes hourly.
A recent video mentioned gamer culture after the Kirk murder. That culture has it seems all sorts of strands including political, porn, Furries etc.
Bit of an eye opener. If you go exploring you may want to have an ice pack and a gin and tonic to hand. Plus a VPN.
Morning Bear.
Ref: A level English.
I'm involved with a refugee support charity in the West Country.
We have a small workforce that includes refugees, amazing yes.
And we employ people with a minimum os B2 or C1 and they get on just fine.
The HS or whoever is writing her press releases is just engaged in performative signalling to the brain dead far right press.
You bring to mind the old radio and TV series 'What the Papers Say'. The media are missing a trick if they don't give you your own show - What the Papers Don't Say.
This is another fascinating trawl of the news that focuses on individual stories. What has been missing up until now is consideration of some of the general trends. George Aliferis and Sam Bright are clearly addressing that gap, something we desperately need.
It would be interesting to consider how current state-backed disinformation and influence manipulation activities align with what we know of Soviet era approaches. Throughout the Bolshevik / Communist regime in Russia, rewriting history and erasing or manipulating evidence were common practices. As early as the 1930s, Stalin's government was doctoring photographs to erase key figures that had fallen from grace.
As time went on, they continued to employ strategies perfected at home to undermine hostile regimes around the world. America developed similar strategies, deploying them in many parts of the world. Ironically, its successes often precipitated the rise of extremist groups who were hostile to America in places such as Iran. Having installed the Pahlavi as Shah, his government became a perfect incubator for the Islamic regime that causes so many issues in that part of the world today.
The internet has been a game-changer for this type of activity. Ironically (again), it is the tools developed by American companies that have amplified the power of these strategies. Facebook and Twitter, in particular, have allowed actors to utilise them to greater effect. They have permitted far wider dissemination, at greater speed, than prior communication tools could achieve. Mark Twain's old saw about the speed of a lie versus that of truth needs updating. "A lie has travelled the Milky Way before the truth has thought about putting on its boots!"
The application of these strategies in the media industries, such as gaming, or the once more fringe interests, such as comics, shows how fans of those have learned from these Cold War skirmishes. At the same time, there has been a greater recognition of the value of utilising fans of these to widen the range of channels through which to promulgate key messages.
Aliferis is right to highlight the increased engagement in the cultural and ideological implications of gaming feedback, for instance. Gamergate and Comicsgate are prime examples of this. Both of these have brought the potential for audiences to become participants in the current influencer campaigns that were once limited to political interest groups. Considering the demographics of such groups, often comprised of those on the fringe of social engagement, this widening has both coarsened debate and increased the level of aggression among participants.
What is most interesting at the present moment is the 'right-washing' of key political positions. Since the murder of Charlie Kirk, key figures on the right have been pushing narratives that demonise those on the left of the political spectrum. We are seeing more commentators pushing back aggressively against accusations of 'fascist' or 'racist' leanings. What were previously considered 'far-right' views are being promoted as 'common-sense' or 'conservative' (as opposed to Conservative) positions.
Returning to Bright's analysis, we are seeing the effective deployment of these Cold War strategies across a far wider range of groups than ever before. Many of these groups are composed of aggrieved members of society who feel excluded because of their social or economic conditions. The question of how much this is the fault of Russian actors (or Chinese, North Korean, Iranian or other hostile states) is a valid one; however, it may also be necessary to look to nations such as America for users of these strategies.
Perhaps more accurately, it might be more appropriate to look at 'supra-nationalist' individuals who have amassed considerable fortunes. Elon Musk comes to mind as a prime example, but there are plenty more. Whilst Musk has been incredibly forthright in his political views, and has engaged prominently in activities that have placed him in the spotlight, there are plenty more people involved in financing groups and individuals who have become key players in the present struggle.
Ultimately, this has become a far more complex situation. The interests of many of these groups and individuals clearly overlap. Admittedly, though, there are differences. The bigger question is how to push back against this. With so many well-financed groups and individuals seizing control of the channels of communication and engaging so many individuals to promote key ideological messages that are presently doing so much political and social damage, the future looks grim. The dystopian visions of so many writers look increasingly likely right now. How do we avoid that future, though?
Russia.
It isn't just the far right like Y-L who have been taking Russia's coin and doffing their caps.
Let us not forget that Cameron and Johnson and the Conservatives as a whole, all grifting supplicants to great wealth, sucked down donations from Russians resident in the UK.
And when I say Russians I mean the sort whose vast wealth was accrued under Putin and I can confidently say that they don't stay that rich or alive unless they are doing his bidding.
There is more to that scandal than Reform and Farage.
(Remember Johnson and Lebedev).
Reducing benefits is a false economy. Yes, it reduces government "spending" but, and it is a big but, it is a mistake. Many people on benefits are barely surviving as it is and any money that they have spare will go into the local economy - shops etc. If they have even less to spend these will close and then you will get even more headlines in the press about the " death of the high street ".
P.S. A lot of this money will eventually go back to the government in taxes.
Thanks, Bear, great roundup, especially on top of the insane demands of your week.
Timing works well for me.
Great description of the nonsense in the media. Loved the idea of the Far Rage issues driving the rise of right wing support of nonsensical headlines and your description of the housing market. Excellent, thank you, but I didn't feel the need to take A Level English at school. Does that make me too ignorant to claim my pension?
You know what I'd like to cut? Some of the freebies, the junkets, the multiple overpaid jobs these ghouls have. Some of us spend 37.5+ hours a week working for a lot less. Some of us are currently battling ongoing health issues whilst continuing to attempt to deliver a full time job. Some of us have personal troubles to deal with.
I'd also be happy to cut the endless slavering coverage afforded to loud mouthed nobodies, to has-beens, to those whose only ability seems to be to out-shout everyone else. To those who have egregiously and repeatedly broken the laws of this land and several others, yet miraculously remain free to continue to behave just as they please, shorn of any responsibility, consequence or karma.
As far as emptying the wealthiest enclaves of London goes, bring it on. Those mausoleums are a by-word for all that is wrong about home ownership, and encouraging people with that much spare cash to be here can't end well. It surely only means that their tax-light money is going to a tax haven, which in itself feels dodgy.
Gamer culture is a foreign land to an old fart like me.
On YouTube I keep up with a a channel called 'I've Had It' which consists of two sweary blondes from middle America who spend their time ripping Trump, Maga and their associates new rectal orifices, sometimes hourly.
A recent video mentioned gamer culture after the Kirk murder. That culture has it seems all sorts of strands including political, porn, Furries etc.
Bit of an eye opener. If you go exploring you may want to have an ice pack and a gin and tonic to hand. Plus a VPN.
Thanks. I love the drawing at the top of the article.