Cultural Misbeliefs: A Fertile Ground at Service of Psychological Operations

Abstract

This paper of ours further expounds on psyops and cultural misbeliefs-their complex interplay in how these deep-seated but very often cultural misbeliefs can be manipulated to have an influence upon perceptions and responses in the public. In psychological warfare, cultural misbelief has formed a two-edged sword wherein skilled players could use these in misleading the target groups in a direction that furthers the strategic aim. The present study has shown how rumors, especially those coinciding with deep-seated fears and prejudices can fuel acts of violence or justify negative behavior and has illustrated the huge impact which cultural background may have on individual behavior and social life. It also reflects upon the degree to which psychological operations have created public opinion and attempted to demoralize one's adversaries by using those cultural cleavages apt to awake social chaos and conflict and it also espouses critical thinking and education as imperatives for overcoming the aftermath of cultural misconceptions and propounds an inclusive approach toward attaining understanding and tolerance of the people within the community. It is when such misconceptions are identified and corrected that societies become resilient to such manipulative misinformation and create a united and peaceful atmosphere.