Perception Management

In David Baldacci’s book, THE WHOLE TRUTH, I was introduced to a new definition of evil. Perception Management (PM) is a military term that describes making up information, then managing its distribution with frequency of exposure within broad scope coverage until nearly everyone hearing or reading it believes it as truth. You know like the childhood evil of saying someone has done a bad thing, then writing notes, telling it to friends, continually speaking it aloud until no one bothers to question the validity of the accusation. In the adult world the same thing happens and we try to excuse it as gossip, while not being quite sure which side of belief we are on. And rarely do we make an effort to check it out or stop further spread of the accusation.

In politics the MANAGEMENT of perception becomes even more evil as it can involve pitting nation against nation, culture against culture and religion against religion. And spread of the perception may serve a second purpose; as a distraction to keep minds busy while the powers behind the management of the created perception perform other actions, sometimes atrocities, in situations just outside the limelight.

Hollywood has been using PM for years. To bolster actors, movies, storylines into top rating status. Models and fashion designers do the same. Large corporations, anyone with a logo, churches and just about all of us have used PM in some form to advance our cause, success, popularity. But when evil (live spelled backward) turns the premise into a way to influence or control the minds of the masses we should all be on super alert.

The reading of this book brought my senses to a new height. Looking for the WHOLE truth behind headlines, rumors and presentation of information will become an added mission.

I invite you to check it out and tell me what you discover. . .