Propaganda works

Something else I’ve been doing during this enforced inactivity is to scan readers’ comments on lockdown stories in the media, particularly local media. As so often, the comments are more interesting than the stories. Check the story headline and first paragraph then skip to the comments if any – that’s usually my approach.

An overwhelming impression is that lockdown propaganda has been extremely effective. Take any story about people who disregard lockdown rules and there will be lots of comments by narrow souls prepared to abuse anyone who steps out of line. Mavericks who conspicuously fail to comply are described as stupid, selfish, a danger to others and anything else likely to pass comment moderation. Not only that but draconian punishments are advocated – going far beyond anything officially sanctioned.

It has been obvious for some time that the pandemic poses hardly any significant risk to millions of healthy people who are also well below retirement age. But the propaganda still did its job.