Information: quality vs. quantity

"A year of Human Rights in Russian Federation"

In 2011 the world bore witness to a myriad of life-shaping events. These ranged from the positive, to the bittersweet, to the downright treacherous. The sheer scope and variety of sociopolitical events worldwide resembled a bubbling soup full of all manner of ingredients; delightful to receive, difficult to digest. And when it was thought that nothing else of any significance was to happen in the eleventh hour, another moment confirmed its place among the most important of 2011. 

Russia released its very first report on human rights, which in part subverted United States foreign policy and challenged their presence on the international arena. It is very well known that China responds like-for-like to criticism by the USA through highlighting the US Government’s transgressions in the same areas. It seems Russia decided to follow the American exemplar and become the judge, jury and executioner. The timing of such a document’s release could not be better. The Russian government, through this document, implicitly claims to be the champion of democracy that exercises human rights in daily life. 

A protest in Moscow 2011

Recent demonstrations in Moscow and many other cities were pointed at gross manipulation of the 2011 general election results. Moreover, public indignation had fallen on Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as well as President Dmitry Medvedev. The two politicians are to swap places after the 2012 presidential elections. These events show the necessity of a change in tactics if the infamous ruling “tandem” are to retain power for the next 12 years - it is widely speculated that Putin will attempt to keep his presidential post for at least two 6-year terms. Russia wants neither political instability nor a ‘Russian Spring’, lest the December Revolution be repeated all over again. The protests were not, as widely reported in world media, a sign of people ‘no longer being afraid’ and illustrating such by demanding from its government a re-election. Rather, these events indicate the government’s efforts to depressurize the steam that is public frisson - such disorder was indebted to the sudden prevalence of information - in order to placate the masses and maintain the status quo.

As it becomes more and more difficult to control the flow of information, governments, politicians, corporations (and others directly interested in it) started focusing on the quality and purity of information. One example of note is the Russian-Belarusian information war. One should not be disillusioned by the elements of information control that fall under modern-day conspiracy theories, as this analysis does not follow the basis of one. With careful observation, we can see a paradigm shift in the relationship between politics, mass media and people. The transformation is from the importance of policies, to the emphasis on politicians’ appearance, image and ‘portrait’ - the overall character of the person - in mass media. The dissemination of facts has decreased, while the ‘broadcasting’  of superficial events and opinions now enjoys an established ubiquity. Politicians are not rendered worthy of any attention or public interest unless they incessantly make themselves visible on social networking websites. This will entail no less than informing the public of the greatness of their mundane achievements, or their wonderful displays of character. (False manifestations of saintliness and modesty go some way to gaining public trust). Politicians are seldom critical of their actions and decisions. It it equally unlikely to find politicians exposing their role in ‘backroom deals’ or widespread corruption and misconduct.

This collusion bears striking resemblance to current marketing strategies. As marketing convince us to buy goods and services we do not really need, mass media encourages the public to believe in ‘facts’ which do not exist. As Lenin said, “a lie told often enough becomes the truth”. We can observe this simple truth in everyday life. If mass media escalates some events - first appearing as unimportant - and repeats it continuously, ‘new facts’ materialize, often being confirmed by “some government officials” of which no one has any knowledge. It is often the case that those ‘facts’ are not based on truth, or are ‘slightly’ bent. The essence of this is accurately encapsulated in Joseph Goebbels’ words: “the most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly - it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over”. In many regards, the manipulation of facts regresses us to the Medieval Ages. Old superstitions return in different forms, while new superstitions are created. This time, the work of the church has little or no influence on it. During the period approximately covering the 12^th - 17^th century the legends of Presbyter John - a Christian ruler (almost the saint) who ruled over a glorious kingdom surrounded by pagans and Muslims; a kingdom full of all kinds of exotic creatures and enormous wealth - were believed to be the truth! Yes, our technology is in the 21^st century, but unfortunately our minds are still in the dark ages.

Indeed we are quickly advancing forward in this century.We face new, difficult challenges that show no signs of reprieve. Global warming, famine and the Israeli-Palestinian issue will eventually appear as problems with relatively easy, practical solutions. The perception of those issues will be in comparison to imminent challenges. Let us not be afraid of living and building a better future. For the greatest catalyst for the progress of our civilisation is our ability to think critically, to evaluate and understand.