Word to the wise...: 03/31/24

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Get Ahead of Propagandists to Counter Disinformation

Cover Image derived from: Grandiose delusions cat lion.pdf by Collin Knopp-Schwyn, derivative work by Arlo Barnes (border added) is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported

Now at Amazon, IndieBound, Barnes&Noble, BOOKS-A-MILLION,

and other stores.

Also via Ingram for library and bookstore orders.

122 pages, March 2024

ISBN: 978-1-7374895-3-5 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-7374895-7-3 (ebook)

[click on book cover to "Read sample" at amazon.com]

The saying divide and rule energizes autocrat-propagandists. Their followers are propelled by the contrarian energy that's unleashed. How these propagandists gather followers and increasingly control the thought and action of large numbers of people is eerily similar.

Bravado and defiance are veneers on the intimidation or worse targeted at the judiciary, media, civic leaders, and specific ethnic, racial, or other groups. The cruelty and violence in these propagandists' words forecast a harder reality that will follow.

Pushing back on propagandists is a challenge at any stage. But the longer that propaganda causing harm is allowed, the greater the damage to everyone.

We need more than diagnoses and warnings to crush the fake information eating away our freedoms. For nations, organizations, or anyone fighting disinformation, now collected in paperback and ebook is a selection of my blog posts on countering propagandists. Included are reference notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Beyond a critical review of contemporary public discourse, this collection calls for purposeful action, describing steps for us to help democracy thrive. It outlines ways to

Outwit propagandists.
Detect, deflect, and dismantle disinformation.
Counter manufactured outrage.

Hoping you'll find it useful. Please let me know your thoughts, as you can.

My review of "A New Semiotics," by David Sless & Ruth Shrensky, in Media International Australia

While written clearly and suitable for students, this rethinking of how we communicate contains fresh insights for the general reader as well as teachers, researchers and practitioners. In brief, it provides an accessible exploration of semiotics, while also challenging the inadequacies of traditional communication models that underpin common views of how communication occurs. ACCESS via journal publisher at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1329878X231206841 [Routledge, 2023; ISBN 9780367408435]

AUSTRALIAN LAW JOURNAL: "Miller's... keen eye, quick prose, and strong choice of material keep the reader engaged... If representative democracy is to be sustained, Miller persuasively suggests it is incumbent on all of us to both speak out and call out those who do not offer real solutions. This requires an appreciation of the tools and techniques needed to develop an argument and communicate it effectively." Harry Hobbs PhD, Associate Professor, University Technology Sydney Faculty of Law, Australian Law Journal; MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: "...like no other linguistics coverage… key lessons about using everyday language to reach people… highly recommended… Ideally, it will be used in classrooms and discussion groups as a solid example of language styles and effective speech." D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review. EDITORIAL REVIEW: "A fascinating, monumental book that should be compulsory for all history and politics students and many others." Roslyn Petelin PhD, Honorary Associate Professor, School of Communication and Arts, The University of Queensland & author, "How Writing Works."