What it is made of
Researchers single out the third point in particular. As long as the opponent remains human, ordinary limits apply. Comparing someone to a disease or parasite removes those limits, because concepts such as cruelty and justice do not apply to a disease.
The fourth point is easy to check for yourself. If you take propaganda materials from two opposing sides and remove the names, the texts often become almost indistinguishable: the accusations, tone, and structure match.
Why it is done
The first purpose is cohesion. A common enemy quickly and reliably unites a diverse group, more effectively than any shared positive goal. Internal disagreements are set aside as untimely.
The second is justification. Actions that would normally require an explanation seem to explain themselves once there is an enemy: this is not a choice but a forced response. Responsibility is shifted onto the other side.
- An entire group is described as a single being with one will.
- Everything they do is explained by malicious intent, while everything we do is explained by circumstances.
- Comparisons to disease, insects, or natural forces are used.
- People who disagree within the group are declared enemy accomplices.
- Doubting the description is equated with treason.
The last two points show that the mechanism works not only outwardly. It always turns inward as well, because uniting a group also requires suppressing discussion of the enemy image itself.
It is useful to remember that the existence of a real conflict does not rule out analyzing these techniques. The sides may be unequal, and aggression may be real, but these techniques are used either way and work in the same manner.
Which technique in an enemy image is considered the most dangerous?
What identifies this kind of construct?
Sources
- Research on propaganda describes a fixed set of techniques for creating an enemy image: group homogenization, attribution of intent, dehumanizing comparisons, and the mirroring of opposing sides' accusations
Next in the “Propaganda” series
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