Difference between revisions of "Weapons of Mass Distraction"

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((2) Why the pattern is good (i.e. bad))
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====(1) Description of the pattern====
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[[File:Time_Square_-_NYC_Weapons_of_mass_distraction.jpg|thumb|300px|Time Square in NYC-an example of societal distractions]]
Societal distractions can be naturally occurring or manufactured in such a way as to distract people and subvert their attention away from social and civic duties to something more menial and possibly desirable.
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====Description====
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Societal distractions can be naturally occurring or manufactured in such a way as to distract people and subvert their attention away from social and civic issues of concern to something more menial. If properly occupied by such distractions, people can be better controlled and thier attention diverted to issues of unimportance.
  
====(2) Why the pattern is good (i.e. bad)====
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====How it works====
Cell phones, movies, sports, games, celebrities, Television, Music. etc, etc, etc. What do these things have in common? They are all possible distractions. Distractions can be useful and are possibly even necessary for human happiness, however they can also distract from other goals or areas of interest that could be addressed.
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Cell phones, movies, sports, games, celebrity, Soap Operas, Music, war, holidays, reality TV shows, etc. What do these things have in common? They are all possible to use as Weapons of Mass Distraction. Distractions can be useful and are possibly even necessary for human happiness, however they can also distract people from other goals or areas of interest that could be addressed, most notably political, social, and human rights issues. Any country or entity that employs this tactic is essentially saying that an informed and motivated public is a dangerous thing and a distracted and apathetic public is much preferred.
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====Evidence====
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Throughout history one of the more common themes in revolution and uprising in societies is that people who rise up and take action against those in power are not getting what they desire and often are of the opinion that there is an unfair disparity of resources: namely wealth, food, quality of life, land, and pursuit of happiness in its many forms. There is often a tipping point of dissatisfaction with the current system and some precipitating event that sparks action. Usually an extreme disparity of wealth, happiness and comfort is involved and lives are very much at stake.
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One way to stop or slow the possibility of growing dissatisfaction in a population is to provide them with enough distractions and entertainment that they have no time or willpower to be dissatisfied enough to do anything about it. A population that places a high enough value on entertainment can effectively be enslaved in their vices, and are in this way pacified from the pursuit of change within a society.
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==== Linked patterns ====
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[[Societal Apathy]], [[Media Monopolies]], [[Hidden Agendas]], [[Conservation Reliance]]
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====Rererences====
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The plot for the movie, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wag_the_Dog Wag the Dog] is basically about the use of this pattern.
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http://www.alternet.org/media/bill-moyers-weapons-mass-distraction-why-media-most-americans-consume-harmful-public-health
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<references/>

Latest revision as of 15:01, 10 March 2014

Time Square in NYC-an example of societal distractions

Description

Societal distractions can be naturally occurring or manufactured in such a way as to distract people and subvert their attention away from social and civic issues of concern to something more menial. If properly occupied by such distractions, people can be better controlled and thier attention diverted to issues of unimportance.

How it works

Cell phones, movies, sports, games, celebrity, Soap Operas, Music, war, holidays, reality TV shows, etc. What do these things have in common? They are all possible to use as Weapons of Mass Distraction. Distractions can be useful and are possibly even necessary for human happiness, however they can also distract people from other goals or areas of interest that could be addressed, most notably political, social, and human rights issues. Any country or entity that employs this tactic is essentially saying that an informed and motivated public is a dangerous thing and a distracted and apathetic public is much preferred.

Evidence

Throughout history one of the more common themes in revolution and uprising in societies is that people who rise up and take action against those in power are not getting what they desire and often are of the opinion that there is an unfair disparity of resources: namely wealth, food, quality of life, land, and pursuit of happiness in its many forms. There is often a tipping point of dissatisfaction with the current system and some precipitating event that sparks action. Usually an extreme disparity of wealth, happiness and comfort is involved and lives are very much at stake.

One way to stop or slow the possibility of growing dissatisfaction in a population is to provide them with enough distractions and entertainment that they have no time or willpower to be dissatisfied enough to do anything about it. A population that places a high enough value on entertainment can effectively be enslaved in their vices, and are in this way pacified from the pursuit of change within a society.

Linked patterns

Societal Apathy, Media Monopolies, Hidden Agendas, Conservation Reliance

Rererences

The plot for the movie, Wag the Dog is basically about the use of this pattern.

http://www.alternet.org/media/bill-moyers-weapons-mass-distraction-why-media-most-americans-consume-harmful-public-health