Abstract
The article offers a comparative analysis of myths disseminated in American and Russian public discourse. The authors argue that the way myths are used as a tool of manipulating public consciousness depends on a number of social and cultural peculiarities of Russia and the USA. We demonstrate that manipulation through myths is based on universal cognitive mechanisms; therefore, both countries may use similar myths to achieve particular goals in governmental interests. On the other hand, effective manipulation becomes possible when ideas rendered by myths are understandable and appealing to a particular nation or group of people at a particular moment. Given that, political leaders of both countries manage to shape the way people understand themselves and their country in relation to the world. It helps them to maintain their interests in domestic and foreign policy.
Highlights
Manipulation of public consciousness is not a new concept
The analysis of the American public discourse shows that public consciousness has been manipulated by the following ideas based on the myth of American exceptionalism: “the USA has a special mission on earth”, “it stands as the world’s exceptional power”, “it is a global power”, “it is innocent”, “it never commits crimes, but is a victim”, and “it is a nation saving others”
In this article we focus on the analysis of modern political myths spread in the Russian political discourse as a result of deliberate manipulation of public consciousness in governmental interests
Summary
Manipulation of public consciousness is not a new concept. No one doubts that it is often used as an instrument of power, though; it is constantly being transformed with the changes in the societies and cultures. Traditional myths as stories, concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, are used as an instrument for understanding the society, helping people to explain the chaotic world around them. Such myths represent the perception of the nation by itself and the world. Modern myths are defined as “beliefs that claim the right to shape the social world and sometimes even manage to influence it In this case, they often take on a pejorative meaning, becoming the means of manipulating the society or restricting the freedom of the individual” [2]
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