In our previous episode we explored the idea of creating worlds for writing and especially table top roleplaying games such as Dungeons and Dragons. In that episode which is Episode 54 if you want to take a listen, I noted that because our entire lives are spent within the imagination of our own creations, there is a connection to manufacturing reality.
This week, I invited back to the show my friend, former professor and long time collaborator on this podcast, Dr. Erwin Warkentin to discuss the topic of creating worlds and the intersection with propaganda. Dr. Warkentin has not only led media and communications at Memorial University in Canada, he has written and studied extensively on the subject of propaganda.
Episode Highlights
We explore the bizarre history of Enver Hoxha, the former First Secretary of the Communist Party in Albania (the picture in the episode is of Hoxha from Wikipedia)
Hoxha completely isolated his country and forced his citizens to read his estimated 70 volumes of work just to build a specific world in their minds.
We discuss the concept of “Ostalgie” and why some older generations still harbour nostalgia for the old East.
Our everyday reality is heavily influenced by television programmes and pop culture, proven by the fact that Canadian PSAs had to remind citizens they don’t actually have American Miranda rights.
We examine how celebrated historical narratives, like Canada’s Heritage Minutes, often act as pure fantasy by omitting dark truths, such as Nellie McClung’s ties to the eugenics movement.
Dr. Warkentin shares a fascinating story about how post-WWII American forces completely dismantled and rebuilt the German media landscape to prevent dangerous monopolies.
We wrap up by challenging the illusion of “social media,” questioning if platforms like TikTok are just one-way broadcasts feeding us untrustworthy narratives without us realising it.
For those not Canadian and curious about our “Heritage Minutes” here’s tghe Nellie McClung one we talk about:
