Combatting Propaganda That's Causing So Much Harm to Palestinians

June 26, 2024

Good morning. Remember that insisting on telling the truth is an excellent way to support Palestinians, every day.

LEARN. Amidst the Gaza genocide, disinformation and propaganda are being used to deliberately distort reality and manipulate public opinion. Understanding the impact of unreliable sources and biased narratives is crucial for navigating the information landscape responsibly. Learn to identify common propaganda tactics, such as cherry-picking facts, using emotional language, and relying on unverified sources.

Read this article, “Debunking Four Myths About Israel’s Siege on Gaza,” by Qasim Rashid, for an example of how to debunk lies and separate propaganda from truth.

NOTICE. Practice listening to your gut when it tells you a piece of information about the genocide seems “off” in any way. Pay attention to warning signs of propaganda, such as sensational headlines, anonymous sources, and lack of transparency. Notice patterns in how information is presented and question the motives behind the content. Look for reputable sources that adhere to journalistic standards and provide evidence to support their claims.

ACT. Question everything you hear or read that positions the Israeli government as a hero, victim, or blameless; and be skeptical of any source that paints the genocide as a right or righteous cause.

1. Verify Sources: Cross-reference information from multiple reliable sources to confirm its accuracy. Use fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact to verify claims and debunk false information.

2. Check Credentials: Evaluate the credibility of authors and organizations by researching their expertise, track record, and affiliations. Look for transparent disclosure of funding sources and potential biases.

3. Use Proper Citations: When sharing information, cite credible sources using standardized citation formats (e.g., APA, MLA). Include hyperlinks to original articles, reports, or studies to allow others to verify the information independently.

4. Question Assumptions: Challenge your own biases and assumptions when consuming information. Be open to considering multiple perspectives and seeking nuanced understanding rather than relying on sensationalized narratives.

SHARE. Forward this to at least 3 people in your life to learn about the important skill of identifying propaganda and the role propaganda is playing in prolonging the genocide in Gaza. Offer to discuss the topic with them. Think about friends, family, colleagues and people you worship with - who needs to hear this message?

ASK. What else do you need to know to help you recognize and debunk propaganda? Please reply to this email (or, if you are reading this online, leave a comment below) to let us know.*

In solidarity for Palestinian liberation,

Kay Coughlin, on behalf of the Shades of Anger collective

*You can also continue the conversation with us in the Speaking Up Network, a private social media platform co-created by Animah Kosai, one of the leaders of Shades of Anger.

Shades of Anger was created by a global collective of women to raise awareness and inspire action to free Palestine. We chose the name of our collective to honor the poem, “Shades of Anger,” by Palestinian-Canadian poet Rafeef Ziadah. We also believe in liberation for Sudan, the Congo, Haiti, and all places where systems of oppression are causing immense suffering and crushing the life out humans. We are led by women of the Global Majority/BIPOC. Shades of Anger is for everyone who wants to act for liberation and you can learn more about it here.