Self-propaganda

Self-propaganda is a form of propaganda and indoctrination performed by an individual or a group on oneself.

Background

Essentially, it is the act of telling one's self (or a group telling themselves) something that they consider to be true, or to convince themselves, with the unfortunate repercussion of their having no doubts. Because of what they do to themselves, they will go over every aspect of their side of the "argument" to prove to themselves that they are right, and will refuse to look at any alternatives.[1] Self-propaganda is a form of self-deception.[2] It functions at individual and social levels: political, economic, and religious. It hides behind partial truths and ignores questions of critical thought.

The psychological process of utilizing self-propaganda can negatively influence values and beliefs,[3] and subsequent perceptions and judgments, thus becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

See also

References

  1. ^ Carey McWilliams (1999) A mask for privilege: anti-semitism in America 2 Ed. pp 242. Transaction Publishers ISBN 0765806126 Retrieved 2010, May 17
  2. ^ Eileen D. Gambrill (2005) Critical thinking in clinical practice: improving the quality of judgments and decisions 2 Ed. pp 522. John Wiley and Sons ISBN 0471471186 Retrieved 2010, May 17
  3. ^ Paul M. Salkovskis (1997) Frontiers of cognitive therapy pp 101. Guilford Press ISBN 1572301139 Retrieved 2010 May 17