Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Today, you will be given a case study on the development of a dictatorial society. Yesterday, you were introduced to dictatorships and there were notes on how these occur. This case study should solidify your understanding. You will watch the feature film Swing Kids and take notes on occurances that demonstrate the development of a dictatorial society. You need to know and look for the following:

Propaganda
All forms of media communication are controlled by the government. News of the outside world and news of national concern is censored, altered, and presented to the people so that it best serves the interest of the government. In endless variation, the government bombards the people with its view of the world. Its view is the only view. Its view becomes the truth. Propaganda is one-sided information.
Indoctrination
Indoctrination takes the place of education. Citizens, and particularly the youth, are not given alternatives or choices of what to believe in. They are subject to a systematic presentation of information designed to strengthen their support of the government. Schools and universities serve the interests of the government. Success is not measured in terms of original, or creative thinking, but rather conformity.


Direction of Popular Discontent
It is highly unlikely that a dictatorship would always be able to keep its people in line and content. They are likely to harbour some frustration or grievance. If, however, their grievances can be directed against groups other than the government; if the government can find someone else to blame (scapegoat), then the policies of the government will not be questioned. In fact, the government gains further support from the people.









The Use of Force
Terror and violence are effective measures for subduing a population and maintaining total control over them. Particularly effective is the use of a Secret Police whose powers enable them to enforce the will of the government. They are empowered to deliver swift and arbitrary punishment to anyone suspected of possible disloyalty to the government. Citizens who “might” one day oppose the government are prime candidates for imprisonment, torture, or liquidation. Their disappearance serves to terrorize any potential opposition.

Controlled Participation
People who are allowed to participate in and contribute to something are more likely to support it. Totalitarian dictatorships rally the people into displays of support for the government. Elections are held to allow the people to vote for the candidate(s) chosen by the government. There is no opposition. The election process is simply an opportunity to allow people a sense of participating in government.

Government sponsored youth groups provide opportunities for young children to take an active part in their country. Such groups are also the primary source for future supporters and members of the government.