The Propaganda Machine

During this uneasy time it may seem that the sharing of videos showing the barbaric nature of ISIS or the aftermath of the retaliations of the western forces is highlighting a valid reason for either sides actions however it is basically propaganda. A tool for ISIS to recruit or gain sympathy. But how does a video showing ISIS mercilessly killing another human being help ISIS gain traction? These videos are shared by ISIS, to instill fear and to create deeper Islamophobia. This is exactly how terrorism works. By causing racial or religious tensions about a particular group, more of that group, in this case Muslims, become sympathisers with their cause as they are becoming ostracised, disenfranchised and hateful of the society they live in. The same can be said for the sharing of western forces 'retaliation' videos and pictures. You will only ever see what they want you to see. Pictures of injured or dead children, women, families etc creates hatred toward the armies and air forces fighting ISIS. Trouble is, you can only take the word of the person supplying the media that these dead or injured people are a direct result of western actions. Propaganda is a very effective and dangerous weapon in war. ISIS will claim responsibility for any act of terror, regardless of whether they carried it out or not. This makes us feel as though they are everywhere, that they are bigger than they are, that they are more organised and intelligent than they actually are. They want you to feel fear, to question or look upon every Muslim you see as a potential terrorist. They want you to share it all, to help them in their campaign and so far it seems to be working. Be careful what you share, don't believe everything you read and above all, think about it before you share it