David Risselada

The Subject Of Cognitive Dissonance As A Social Change Strategy In Education

Years ago, I did a big write-up on cognitive dissonance and American voters. This paper was the final requirement for the writing program at Liberty University, and in a roundabout way, kickstarted my deeper study into persuasion and…

The State Of New York Just Passed A Disturbing “Law”

The State of New York just passed a disturbing law. One that could have easily been predicted after the Supreme Court’s Rahimi ruling, in my opinion. The law mandates that law enforcement confiscate firearms from anyone, anytime they…

The Increasing Frequency of Mass Shootings: The Disturbing Possibilities

Editor’s Note:  The following was written in May of 2023.  I believe this is even more pertinent today with what we are constantly seeing coming out now and the push for red flag pretended laws, along with attacks…

Something Darker in the Whirlwinds: Ideological Subversion, Useful Idiots & The Final Boot on the Neck

It has been several days now since the shooting of Charlie Kirk. This event has had a deep, profound impact — leaving me and others with a sullen, disparaging feeling about what the future holds for our country.…

Troops On The Streets, Growing Government Power, & A Compliant Conservative Base: Persuasive Propaganda In Context

In my last article, I wrote about Operation Mockingbird, and the idea that Tulsi Gabbard herself may be engaging in the spread of disinformation by bringing attention to the propagandizing nature of the media. The point of that…

Operation Mockingbird & The Nature Of Participatory Propaganda

Tulsi Gabbard recently made an interesting statement that surely resonates with the conservative audience. She said that Operation Mockingbird was alive and well, and still being used to undermine President Trump and all of the wonderful things he…

Resonating Anchors & Narratives: Propaganda That Reflects the Beliefs of The Audience, Makes Them Willing to Follow Along

“Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.” (Jowett & O’Donnel, 2012, p. 7) Donald Trump once said that he…