[The Hill] The use of propaganda for diversion to an altered state of reality that is defined by the politicians and the political parties is not new. We even observe this concept of diversion in antiquity.
Will Luden in "Bread and Circuses for the Masses ‐ Not Just Ancient Rome" describes the Roman government policy as "Emperors, in the later stages of the Empire, used both free bread (and other food) and free entertainment to placate the larger number of people who were otherwise poorly served by their government."
Jose Azel’s definition in "The Politics of Bread and Circuses" provides an easily understood and concise description. "Bread and Circus" are "political strategies calculated to appease a population and divert attention from controversial or failed policies with populist welfare programs..." He further explains, "public support is thus created not through exceptional public service and effective public policy, but through diversion, and patronage." |