"We still have a strong defense against such persuaders: we can choose not to be persuaded. In virtually all situations we still have the choice, and we cannot be too seriously manipulated if we know what is going on. It is my hope that this book may contribute to the general awareness.
As Clyde Miller pointed out in The Process of Persuasion, when we learn to recognize the devices of the persuaders, we build up a 'recognition reflex.' Such a recognition reflex, he said, 'can protect us against the petty trickery of small-time persuaders operating in the commonplace affairs of everyday life, but also against the mistaken or false persuasion of powerful leaders...' "
From Chapter 23, "The Question of Morality"
The Hidden Persuaders -- Vance Packard, 1958, Random House
'Recognition Reflex' training test:
1. It is half time at the Superbowl. The commercials are on. What do you do?
a. turn down the volume, and go to the fridge for an Ice Cold Miller or a refreshing Pabst and some Frito-Lays
b. turn down the volume, it interferes with your concentration on the dance routines.
c. turn up the volume, you want to hear the half time commentary. You have money riding on this one.
d. Seen one breast. Seen them all. Change the channel.
A politician is replying to accusations of bribery, conflict of interest and kickbacks. He looks out the window and occasionally at his feet when answering the reporter and says he has been very ill and had a reaction to his medication. He does not clearly remember the events alluded to, but says it is illegal to conduct an investigation as the chief witness is not credible due to the number of unpaid parking tickets he has accumulated and the fact that he has never voted for the current party in power.
Your conclusions are: (pick any one or more than one. There are no wrong answers.)
a. He is wearing a red tie. People who wear red ties can generally be believed.
b. His sudden knowledge of his accuser's intimate details is not at all suspicious. He is a good man, and many people do suffer from medical trauma.
c. His inability to face the accuser and speak clearly and convincingly is due to a devious nature, amplified by long term drug dependency. This could be a genetic weakness.
d. You forget what the point of the questions are too. At any rate, what is a bit of money in that sort of situation? Aren't rich people in expensive suits with big government contracts worth their salaries? Somebody has to be smart and rich.
e. He is hiding something. Probably money. You wish you could have got a job as an intern with his firm. Why do you not have connections with these people? What does it take?
f. Tide is the best detergent. The orange and blue box on the third shelf. Gets clothes whiter than white. Tastes great too, like an ice cold beer should.
EC<:-} |
