‘Kashmir Files is nominated for the Oscars.’
‘Narendra Modi is the top contender for the Nobel.’
‘Rahul Gandhi is a Panda hugger.’
‘Some judges are anti-India.’
‘Rahul Gandhi is hiding information about rapists.’
All of these obviously and quickly dismissable fake news items seem to be surprising utterances by people in responsible positions, and I kept wondering what those stating these are expecting to gain, because the truth will be uncovered in a jiffy and their claims would be shown as false rather quickly. So, why make such statements? What could be the hidden strategy behind this clearly short-term approach?
Well, I think I realise its worth now: You see, once you make a bold claim confidently, and if it is shocking enough for it to be repeated, forwarded, shared, discussed, and whispered about scandalously, it does not matter what the truth is and how quickly it follows this lie. Once the genie of fake news is out there in the ether, no amount of sunshine of reality will disinfect it. It is a stain that stays forever.
It is very much akin to making a claim about the chastity or character of a woman or the sexuality or honour of a man in Indian society. Once the statement is out there, there is no erasing it from the public psyche, and no way of correcting the misimpression. The damage done is permanent.
This is a slight variation on the ‘Big Lie’ strategy of the Nazis, where the Indian RW focuses on the small lie, which, in practice, is a rather handy fire-and-forget weapon. Indeed, they utter it and move on, not even bothering most times to defend it. It leaves you spluttering to counter it, as you go frenetically to find data and facts to demonstrate your position, and to shine the light on the truth. You end up expending disproportionately more energy, time, and intellect into trying to correct it than they did to simply put it out there, giving them a brilliant RoI for their efforts.
By that time you’ve made your well-researched point, though, it is too late. They’ve already gone on to the next lie, leaving you behind to catch up on that. And left the stench of the lie behind for you to deal with. Like the remains of a really stinky fart after the culprit has exited the room.
What an idea, Sirji!
