Dystopia Now Tech and Hasbara
Jul 25, 2025
Kiera Havens, the executive director of Citizens' Impeachment and a writer focused on race science, joins Nicholas Rodelo, a senior researcher at Dropsite News, to discuss the intersection of tech and propaganda. They explore how technological advancements have fueled narratives in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas involved. The duo debates the implications of misinformation in shaping public perception and critiques media's role in accountability issues surrounding alleged genocide. Their insights challenge listeners to reflect on the deeper ramifications of technology in global conflicts.
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Hasbara's Purpose Explained
- Hasbara means "explanation" focusing on justifying Israeli actions internationally.
- It aims to make controversial acts, like harming noncombatants, appear necessary and acceptable to outsiders.
Propaganda Denies Famine Reality
- Israeli propaganda denies famines and blames Palestinians or Hamas for aid problems.
- This shifts blame from Israel's role in blocking humanitarian aid and inducing starvation.
Truth Belief in Propaganda
- Many Israeli propagandists truly believe extreme narratives, not just lying strategically.
- This sincerity removes any effort to make messages palatable and reflects deep conviction.