Propaganda rarely begins with an obvious lie. It begins with something familiar. A statistic that feels plausible. A story that sounds believable. A concern that already exists. The power of propaganda does not come from inventing reality. It comes from rearranging it.

Facts can correct information, but they rarely replace stories. Myths do not survive because they are accurate. They survive because they are useful. A myth simplifies complexity, offers meaning, and provides emotional comfort. When a belief serves these functions, evidence alone rarely feels powerful enough to remove it. Most myths are not remembered as data. They are remembered as narratives. Narratives are easier for the brain to store, repeat, and share. They contain char

Every society tells stories about who it is. Just as importantly, it tells stories about who it is not. Heroes define ideals, but villains define boundaries. They give shape to fear, disagreement, and uncertainty. Without them, identity can feel blurred. Shared enemies simplify complex realities.