Torches of Freedom with Fran from Mango Press

At the turn of the 19th century and early 20th century, people all over the world were demanding the rights given to them in theory on old documents, be put into practice. There was unprecedented activity in unions, unemployment collectives, and civil rights organizations. All of them demanding a voice in the government. Edward Bernays realized the “problem of Democracy” early on: The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organised habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. And we have been under this type of conscious manipulation of society since the time of Edward Bernays. Today, Fran from Mango Press joins us to discuss propaganda and Democracy. Show Notes :00 - Intro 3:43 - When a non-war is a war for PR purpose 8:20 - Edward Bernays and WW1 propaganda 11:34 - Bernays creating first PR firm 13:34 - Cleaning up the politicians 17:09 - Big Tobacco and Psychoanalysis 22:26 - Controlling with PR 24:23 - Birth of the Department Store 25:31 - PR in WW2 26:30 - PRing Guatemala into a Coup 45:16 - The Regime Change Playbook 48:09 - Protecting the Order of Things 50:53 - Inventing Reality 53:15 - Inventing Reality in Ukraine 1:02:00 - Goodbyes Extras: Watch my lecture on Real Progressives about our responsibility on Propaganda Check out Mangopress on their telegram and their website This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit historicly.substack.com/subscribe