Explicit denunciation of propaganda fails to neutralize its effect

Evidence

We cannot be proud of these effects as educators. Our students do not appear to examine critically what they read; they just chugalug it down. Furthermore, the fact that Pastor Peters moved them even when his arguments were denounced by the Experimenter suggests one cannot present such material to uncritical thinkers, simply denounce it, and think it will do no harm. — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 3259 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Advertising’s suspicion-inducing logic extends to political propaganda; Creel’s propaganda success relied on suppressing dissent, not just messaging. — Tim Wu, The Attention Merchants, 162; Flimsy hate propaganda shifts attitudes even when denounced by authorities (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Denouncing biased material does not neutralize its persuasive effect #expands (0.95) — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 3259
• Simply denouncing hate material does not neutralize its persuasive effect on uncritical readers #expands (0.92)