This is an investigation into the current use of disinformation and prop­aganda in the United States. Drawing inspir­ation from art history and three con­temp­orary scholars, we present the following from a pro-democracy point of view and seek to articulate how to understand the mal­ignant effects of dis­in­form­ation and how to be personally empowered to fight the fog that dis­infor­m­ation creates.

Democracy is a political system where power is vested in the people, and the government is account­able to them. In a democ­racy, citizens have the right to vote, express their opin­ions, and enjoy basic civil liberties. No author­itarian political system supports these principles.

Over the last 120 years, the culture wars have evolved dramatically, encompassing various arts and political movements that have chal­lenged traditional norms and values. The early 20th century witnessed the birth of Surrealism, an artistic expres­sion of the subconscious, which rebelled against rationalism and societal constraints. As the century progressed, artistic movements like Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art emerged, reflecting the anxieties of post-war society and the rise of consumerism. The latter half of the 20th century saw the rise of the feminist, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ movements, which significantly impacted the art world, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and diverse representation. In the 21st century, the culture wars continue to evolve, with digital tech­nology and social media becoming powerful tools for amplifying under­repre­sented voices and challenging conventional artistic hierarchies.

The influence of Surrealism is still evident in present-day art and culture. Contemp­orary artists continue to explore the subconscious and challenge conventional norms, often blending reality with fantasy in their work. Surrealism has also left its mark on various aspects of popular culture, from cinema and literature to fashion and advertising, inspir­ing a lasting fascination with the strange and the uncanny. Moreover, Surrealist ideas have contributed to the ongoing debate surround­ing the importance of art as a means of social and political expression, and as a way to challenge established norms and values.

Innovation in technology and media has played a significant role in the evolution and dissemination of art movements like Surrealism. The rapid advancements in these fields have facilitated the creation, consump­tion, and distribution of art, allowing artists to reach wider audiences and challenge traditional boundaries.

Photography and film, for instance, were embraced by Surrealists as new mediums to explore the subconscious and blur the lines between reality and fantasy. Artists like Man Ray and Salvador Dalí utilized these tech­nol­­ogies to create groundbreaking works that continue to inspire contemp­orary artists.
The advent of television, followed by the internet, social media, and digital art, has further revolutionized the way art is pro­duced and consumed. These platforms have democ­rat­ized access to art, allowing for the amplification of underrepresented voices and fostering a more inclusive and diverse art world. They have also enabled artists to engage with global audiences, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and influencing new artistic styles and movements.

Furthermore, digital technology has given rise to new forms of artistic expression, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI-generated art, which continue to challenge traditional notions of art and authorship. These innovations have expanded the realm of possibilities for artists, allowing them to explore new themes and ideas that resonate with the culture wars and the ongoing struggle for social and political change.

While Surrealism as an art movement was not inherently aimed at promoting disin­form­ation, its techniques and character­istics can be co-opted for such purposes.

Unlike the emphasis on individualism and the exploration of ideas in Surrealism,
Authoritarian propaganda often promotes conformity and adherence to a particular set of values or beliefs dictated by the ruling authority.

Surrealism, with its focus on the subcon­scious, irrational, and dream-like imagery, has at times been employed as a tool of disinformation by propagandists and authoritarians. Its inherent ambiguity and ability to distort reality can be manipulated to create confusion, generate alternative narratives, and destabilize the perception of truth.

It is important to recognize the potential
misuse of any artistic style in the hands of authoritarians, and to remain critical in
evaluating the information and narratives we encounter.

distortion of reality Surrealist techniques, such as photomontage and collage, can be used to create images that blend truth and fiction, making it difficult for viewers to discern what is real. By juxta­posing unrelated elements, propagandists can construct misleading narratives that support their agenda and sow doubt.

manipulation of emotions Surrealist art often elicits strong emotional responses due to its unconventional and sometimes disturb­ing content. Authoritarians can exploit these emotional reactions to manipulate public sentiment, fostering fear, anxiety, or anger that can then be directed towards specific targets or used to justify certain actions.

undermining trust in institutions
By employing surreal imagery and narratives to question the credibility of established institutions, propagandists can erode public trust in these entities. This distrust can pave the way for alternative sources of inform­ation and authority that align with the propa­gandist’s objectives.

subversion of dissent Surrealism’s inherent unpredictability can be used to discredit opposing voices by associating them with irrationality or chaos. By portraying dissenters as proponents of absurd or chaotic ideas, authoritarians can delegitimize their arguments and consolidate control.

In some ways, Surrealism can be seen as a precursor to Absurdism, as it paved the way for a more radical rejection of rationality and order. Many absurdists were influenced by surrealism, and some even considered themselves surrealist writers or artists.

Authoritarian regimes may use absurdism as a tool to create confusion and chaos in the public discourse. By promoting absurd or contradictory information, the regime can undermine trust in traditional sources of truth and information. This disorient­ation makes it easier for the regime to control the narrative and manipulate the public.

They can normalize the irrational or illogical aspects of their rule. This may include pro­mot­ing bizarre conspiracy theories, exagger­at­ing or fabricating threats, or offering irrational justifications for their actions. Over time, this can desensitize the public to the irrationality of the regime’s actions and make them more accepting of the status quo.

The absurdity of the regime’s propaganda can also be used to undermine the credibility of opposition groups or activists. By portray­ing them as delusional or misguided, the regime can weaken their influence and make it more difficult for them to organize resistance.

It can serve as a distraction from more pressing issues or the regime’s failings. By focusing public attention on absurd or nonsensical topics, the regime can divert attention away from its own shortcomings and maintain control over the narrative, as well as inoculation against criticism, effect­ively silencing dissent and maintaining their grip on power.

A constant tactic in the authoritarian playbook, Projection, confuses the population by means of Political Appropria­tion. The Soviet Union promoted Social Realism as the only acceptable form of art, but it also used Surrealist and other avant-garde styles of art for propaganda purposes.

In Nazi Germany, Surrealism was banned as Degenerate Art, but the regime also app­­rop­riated Surrealist imagery for its own pur­poses. The Nazis used Surrealist techniques, such as photomontage, to create propa­ganda, posters and other content.

The escalation of the chaotic and irrational messaging of current, anti-democratic movements, along with its potential for manipu­lation, highlights the need for critical evaluation of the information and narratives we encounter. As the world continues to evolve and new political movements emerge, it is crucial to remain vigilant in recognizing the misuse of artistic styles for propaganda and disinformation.

We never know what our last chance to protect our freedoms will be.

Stay awake.

In our contemporary era, we stand at a critical juncture, requiring an intimate and nuanced understanding of political structures, from the democratic ideal to the alarming realities of authoritarianism and fascism. Such under­stand­ing isn’t merely academic; it’s the life­blood of our struggle to preserve democracy and its enduring values.

To keep a clear head it’s important to understand the nature and differences of these forms of government, as well as the behaviors that threaten democracy. Below is synopsis of each:

democracy is a political system where power is vested in the people, and the government is accountable to them. In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote, express their opinions, and enjoy basic civil liberties.

‍authoritarianism is characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a few, often at the expense of individual liberties and democratic institutions. Authoritarian leaders typically seek to control information, manipulate public opinion, and suppress dissent. To protect democracy against the dangers of authoritarianism, it is vitally important to recognize and resist
its tactics.

‍fascism is a form of far-right, radical authoritarianism that often revolves around a single leader, emphasizing nationalism and racial superiority. In his book, Black Earth: The Holocaust as History and Warning, Timothy Snyder discusses the dangers of fascist ideology, particularly when it is combined with anti-Semitism and other forms of racism. He argues that under­standing the historical context and the consequences of fascism is crucial to preventing its resurgence.

One of the most pressing needs in our democratic duty roster is to stand tall against the onslaught of authoritarian disin­­form­ation. If history teaches us anything, it’s that author­itarian regimes have a nefarious track record of wielding propaganda, distorting media narratives, and rewriting history to their advantage. This manipulation is aimed at one thing—steering public sentiment in their favor. A few signature practices are as follows:

‍historical revisionism Authoritarian regimes often distort or rewrite history to suit their narratives and legitimize their rule. This can involve downplaying or glorifying certain events, fabricating events that never occ­urred, or suppressing or altering historical records. By manipulating history, they can shape collective memory and create a sense of national identity that supports their ideol­ogies. For instance, Steve Bannon has been known to selectively interpret or emphasize certain historical events or periods to support his political narratives. To justify his calls for radical change he has frequently referenced the prophecy of The Fourth Turning, a cyclical theory of history that suggests the United States is due for a major crisis and transformation.

control of the media is a crucial strategy for authoritarian regimes. They may use censorship, licensing, and ownership to suppress dissenting voices and promote their own narratives. State-controlled media often disseminate propaganda, which can include false or misleading information, as well as positive portrayals of the regime’s leaders and their policies. Donald Trump’s advisors have played a role in shaping his media strategy, helping him bypass traditional media channels and communicate directly with the public through social media, rallies, and interviews on friendly platforms like the recent cnn Town Hall. His absurdist messages frequently make headlines, allowing him to shape public discourse and push his narratives. maga followers have utilized alternative media channels, such as social media, podcasts, and conservative news outlets, to disseminate their views and to counter narratives they perceive as biased against them.

discrediting opponents Authoritarian regimes often seek to discredit and under­mine opponents by spreading disinform­ation, conspiracy theories, and character attacks. This strategy serves to deflect attention from the regime’s own failings and divide the oppo­sition. For instance, Tucker Carlson has a history of scapegoating minority groups, including immigrants and racial minorities, by linking them to social or economic prob­lems, as exemplified by his promotion of The Great Replacement Theory, which suggests that powerful elites are orch­­es­­trating the replace­ment of white popu­­la­­tions with non-white immigrants. The recent Fox News defamation settlement is another example of regime controlled media dis­­cred­iting and under­mining of opponents with disinformation.

‍cult of personality Authoritarian regimes often foster a cult of personality around their leaders, portraying them as larger-than-life figures with exceptional qualities. This can help maintain the regime’s power by ensuring the loyalty of the popu­lation and the ruling elite. The recent cnn Town Hall is an example of fostering a cult of personality around a particular leader via audience composition, format choices, and the live nature which allowed for live dissemination of known lies.

‍targeting minority groups Another tactic used by authoritarian regimes is scape­goating minority groups, blaming them for social or economic problems. This can help create an us versus them mentality, where the regime is seen as the protector of the majority against the alleged threats posed by minorities. A current example of this in the news is the work of Ron DeSantis in Florida banning the teaching of relevant modern black history in the State’s schools.

exploitation of crises Authoritarian regimes may use crises or emergencies as opportunities to consolidate power, restrict civil liberties, and implement controversial policies. This can be seen in the concept of shock doctrine, where crises are used to force through rapid and transformative changes that benefit the regime. Trump has employed this tactic to advance his political agenda or critique his opponents. He used the issue of immigration and the situation at the U.S.‑Mexico border to push for his border wall and stricter immigration policies while energizing his maga supporters through race‑directed actions.

encouraging distrust in democratic institutions To undermine faith in democratic systems, authoritarian regimes may question the legitimacy of elections, the independence of the judiciary, and the role of a free press. This can create an environ­ment in which the population is more receptive to alternative forms of governance, such as authoritarian rule. Steve Bannon has criti­cized democratic institutions, such as the mainstream media and the political estab­­lish­ment, which he perceives as biased against Trump and his supporters. He has referred to the mainstream media as the opposition party and has called for the dismantling of the administrative state.

After the 2020 presidential election, Tucker Carlson and others at Fox News raised doubts about the integrity of the election process, amplifying claims of voter fraud despite internal Fox communications proving they knew the claims were false. Fox News has settled the defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems and is the defend­ant in at least one other suit brought by Smartmatic.

In his cnn Town Hall, the day after a unani­mous jury found him to liable for sexual assault and defamation of E. Jean Carol, former president Trump said that “you can’t get a fair trial in New York”.

In his book, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, Timothy Snyder highlights the importance of defending democratic institutions and values, warning that they can be eroded if citizens are not watchful and engaged.

‍recognize and categorize
As part of that watchful engagement, when you see these behaviors, regardless of party affiliation, it is important to recognize and categorize the behaviors as those of an authoritarian, and to hold in mind that an authoritarian is fundamentally opposed to democracy.