Uncover the Facts:
Propaganda & the Downward Spiral of American Politics
This book helps us understand an evolving political ideology that disregards the rule of law, the will of voters, science-based reason, cultural diversity, human rights, and more.
It is time for Americans to unite and speak with one voice in acknowledging this threat to our fundamental rights.
As seen on:
Extremism in American Politics
This book describes the downward spiral of politics in America.
The book highlights how propaganda in all forms of mass media is used to manipulate people's emotions and promote a radical political ideology in the pursuit of political power.
The author delves deep into the psychology of brainwashing to explain how propaganda is used to manipulate people.
The author takes a multidisciplinary approach to offer clear answers to some of the most pressing issues in contemporary American politics.
The polarized political climate created by this extreme, right-wing, anti-democratic movement is causing American democracy to gradually slip away.
We must confront it
About the Author
David Shaw
My entire education and career prepared me to write this book. My education includes a B.A. in Political Science and a Master’s Degree with a Psychotherapy Major. Writing has always been a part of my career. I retired in 2021 after forty-five years of working as a fundraising consultant for nonprofits. I was increasingly nagged by my inner voice that kept telling me, write the damn book! And so I did.
My book is not the end. It is the beginning. Join me in advocating for change. You can start by reading my book and writing a honest book review.
Critics are raving about this book!
“Revelatory”
““Deplorable Politics: Propaganda for the Brainwashed examines the gradual destruction of American democracy by the extreme, right-wing movement. With claims that are reinforced by statements and insights from well-known experts in different intellectual fields, David Shaw’s revelatory, thorough, and deeply thoughtful look into American politics is brimming with critical ideas for ensuring the United States is a dignified, peaceful, unified, and fair nation. Everyone interested in the progress of the United States should read this!””
“Powerful”
““The divisive and visceral nature of today’s politics is such that perhaps it is time to hear from a fully unabashed and ‘politically incorrect’ perspective. David Shaw shines a powerful and admittedly harsh light on those who would damage our democracy with unrelenting fabrications and interest group politics. This Deplorable Politics brings out some painful lessons and in time, a hopeful roadmap for bringing together all perspectives in the quest for reasonable, common ground.””
“A must-read”
““This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the ascendance of political extremism in America. Deplorable Politics is not just the history of politics of or psychology of. It is all of these and more. David’s depth of knowledge and multi-disciplinary approach brings new insights and understanding of the polarization and political gridlock that threatens to tear down our democracy.””
The Dark Side of
American Politics Exposed
These following words are repurposed and inserted into political discourse offered by mass media. I discuss how some of the more recent words and phrases are central to Republican propaganda campaigns:
Moral majority • Politically correct • Death Panels • Socialists • Build the wall • Patriotism • Silent majority • Family values • Christian nation • Gun rights • Death tax • Right to work • America First • Rigged election • Open borders • War on Christmas • Pro-life • MAGA • Drain the swamp • Small government • Urban elites • Deep state • White lives matter • Alternative facts • Fake news • Witch hunt • Hoax • Stop the steal • Antifa • Enemy of the people • Voter fraud • Cancel culture • Woke • Critical race theory • Lock her up • Bleeding heart liberals • Globalism • Grooming • Take back our country
The Propaganda Dictionary
Propaganda wants you to believe in a solution that transforms anxiety and suffering into resentment, anger, and the feelings of being a victim. The solution is an authoritarian leader who lifts the burden of feeling free. You should admire a charismatic person who offers anger toward an imagined villain: the liberal socialist who wants to take away your freedom and control your life.
Some people minimize uncertainty and anxiety by believing in ultimate salvation through the grace of God or by becoming the instrument of a powerful leader. These choices help remove anxiety from conscious awareness. You no longer feel powerless, doubt your self-worth, feel like life has no meaning, or fear death is merely a flash of light between two periods of eternal darkness. You do not have to take responsibility because someone else directs your life.
Freedom: Myth and Reality
One of Sigmund Freud’s most extraordinary contributions to psychology is his insight into how early childhood trauma shapes personality.
The psychological perspective adds valuable insights to the macro-sociological perspectives we have examined. There is still more to learn as we attempt to understand why some individuals are influenced by propaganda while it does not affect others. We know propaganda messages manipulate people whose character or personality traits include insecurity, fear, and anger. Psychoanalytic theory is invaluable in helping us understand the psychodynamics of these emotions and how they can influence a person’s political ideology.
The Psychological Perspective
We have a new standard in politics and, by extension, society: It’s OK to lie if it advances your cause. The most striking example of this is Trump’s “Big Lie,” which claims he won the 2020 presidential election. This lie justified Trump’s crime of insurrection to overthrow the duly elected President. Trump’s surrogates, including many members of Congress, appeared on television to claim the Capitol insurrection was only a protest that got out of control, no different from the violence during Black Lives Matter protests. They make this claim in full awareness the Capitol riot was an attempted coup by President Trump. Their ridiculous, only a protest claim, conceals their genuine belief that keeping power is more important than democracy.
The Big Lie
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