Propaganda in Russia and US: How do we know what is true? | Oliver Stone and Lex Fridman

TL;DR

Americans reporting on the war in Donbass reveal the cruelty not mentioned in the West, while the US and other countries have closed down alternative news sources, leading to a wall of propaganda. Criticism in Russia's press is more prevalent than portrayed in the West, but there is a mix of fear and apathy among the people. Censorship in democracies is a concerning and fragile aspect of society.

Transcript

there are some americans in donbass who are reporting on the war there and i read their reports actually they're pretty interesting because they show you the cruelty of what's going on but never mentioned in the west never that's what's so strange about this this this is a modern world that we're living in yet this information is not coming out to ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫱 American reporters in Donbass provide valuable insights into the cruelty of the war that is overlooked in Western media.
• 📰 The US and other countries' closure of alternative news sources contributes to a wall of propaganda.
• 😑 Criticism of the Russian government exists in the Russian press, although fear and apathy among the people limit resistance.
• 🥶 Censorship in democracies undermines free speech and poses a threat to the health of democracy.
• 🤗 It is concerning that individuals face consequences for expressing dissenting opinions, hindering open dialogue.
• 💇 China's censorship policies are stricter than Russia's, with their internet wall cutting off access to alternative viewpoints.
• 🇨🇳 China's sensitivity to criticism stems from historical grievances related to imperialism.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of Americans reporting on the war in Donbass?

Americans reporting on the war in Donbass provide a unique perspective by revealing the cruelty of the conflict that is not covered in Western media. Their reports shed light on the realities of the war in a way that challenges the mainstream narrative.

Q: How has the US and other countries contributed to a wall of propaganda?

The US, along with other countries, has closed down alternative news sources, such as RT, limiting access to alternative perspectives. This concentration of media power creates a wall of propaganda that controls the narrative and inhibits the dissemination of diverse viewpoints.

Q: Is there criticism in the Russian press, contrary to Western portrayals?

Yes, there is criticism in the Russian press, with intellectuals and publications challenging the government. However, while it may be more prevalent than depicted by the West, there is still a mix of fear and apathy among the Russian people that hinders open dialogue and resistance against the government.

Q: Why is censorship a concerning aspect of modern democracies?

Censorship in democracies threatens free speech and the exchange of ideas. The closing down of alternative news sources and social media censorship create an atmosphere of fear where individuals may face consequences for expressing dissenting opinions, inhibiting the health of democracy.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Americans in Donbass report on the cruelty of the war, which is not covered in the West.

• The US, along with other countries, has closed down alternative news sources, resulting in a wall of propaganda.

• Criticism of the Russian government exists in their press, challenging Western portrayals, but fear and apathy among the people are concerning.