Final answer:
When leaders spread propaganda, it is essential to critically assess the information before choosing to believe it. Propaganda often aims to manipulate public opinion rather than provide factual content, and charismatic leadership can amplify its impact. Media literacy and critical thinking are key in discerning truthful information amidst propaganda and 'fake news'.
Step-by-step explanation:
If leaders are spreading propaganda, it is crucial to approach what they are saying with skepticism. Propaganda is often characterized by messages that endorse specific viewpoints or agendas, and it is not necessarily designed to convey truthful or balanced information. Commonly, it leverages techniques such as bandwagon appeals, aiming to get people onto the 'winning side,' or it employs tactics of fear to coerce public opinion.
It involves the use of symbols and the crafting of cultural worldviews that may align with the audience's pre-existing biases. The central role of a charismatic leader in propaganda can be seen as an 'invitation to share a fantasy' rather than an expectation of critical belief. The use of such charismatic leadership can blur the lines between the message and the messenger, making it difficult to discern the true intention behind the communicated message.
Additionally, the phenomenon of 'fake news' plays into this landscape, originating from various sources and serving to reinforce or challenge existing power structures. Media literacy, critical thinking, and checking for fallacies are essential in navigating such information and determining its veracity.
Therefore, the belief in what leaders say when spreading propaganda should be contingent on a thorough critical evaluation of the information provided, the sources' credibility, and an understanding of the techniques employed in the creation and dissemination of propaganda.