Alternative facts and fake news are just other names for propaganda - Johnny Corn
Table of Content
Fearmongering Against India: Discussing the Targeted Attacks
What is Fearmongering?
Section 1: Fearmongering Against India: Targeted Attacks.
Section 2: Fearmongering Against India: Impact of on Indian Society.
Section 3: Fearmongering Against India: Role of Social Media's Role in its Amplification.
Section 4: Fearmongering Against India: Solutions to Address Fearmongering in India.
Conclusion.
Fearmongering Against India: Discussing the Targeted Attacks
Foreign entities are attacking India through fearmongering, which affects Indian society by impacting politics, social cohesion, and communal relations. Recent geopolitical incidents have only intensified this issue.
Social media spreads fear by amplifying disinformation and misinformation, contributing to a problem that is difficult to solve. Solutions include media literacy campaigns, legal action against hate speech and disinformation, and diplomatic efforts for balanced coverage of Indian affairs.
Indian citizens must understand and counter strawmanning by foreign entities. Promoting responsible media practices and citizen awareness can mitigate fearmongering's negative impact on India's society and global reputation.
This blog post will explore some the target fearmongering against India, analyze, and discuss potential solutions to address the issue. Additionally, it will discuss the role of citizens in understanding and countering fearmongering, as well as the importance of responsible media practices.
What is Fearmongering?
Definition of fearmongering and its impact on society
Fearmongering is the spread of false or exaggerated information to create fear and panic. It can cause division and harm political stability, and has been used in recent geopolitical incidents targeting India by foreign media, businesses, and institutions.
Brief overview of the recent Incidents and targeted attacks against India
Foreign media has negatively covered the farmer protests in India, causing fear and targeted attacks on Indian businesses and cultural institutions abroad. It is important to counteract these incidents and promote an accurate portrayal of India's society and reputation.
Section 1: Fearmongering Against India: Targeted Attacks
7 Major cases of targeted Fearmongering Against India.
Incidents of "Fearmongering" against India are not a new phenomenon. They have existed since the days of our first female Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. However, in recent times, the age of the internet and connectivity has fueled it exponentially. Let us now discuss some of the latest "Fearmongering" issues in India.
1) George Soros speech @Davos:
The fund tycoon was highly critical of the PM and his policies, even going so far as to label him a "mafia". Many of us, including myself, do not support every decision made by the current government. It is clear that some of their ambitious acts, such as demonetization, have failed.
However, this does not give us the right to call someone names. We must respect the position, not the person, as it represents Bharat (Indian Republic). When an outsider makes these unprovoked attacks, we should not focus on how dare they do it, but rather ask the right question: "Why and why now?" The timing of this incident is a clear indication of a strategic act of "fearmongering" against India.
2) Adani & Hindenburg Report:
Hindenburg, the "short-seller king," released a scathing report on the Adani Group of companies, causing a short-term negative sentiment in the market. This resulted in Adani losing a significant amount of money and having their credibility questioned.
The report focused on Adani Group's overvaluation and loan statements, which had already been pointed out by finance guru Damodaran. So, why was the report released now? And why only target Adani? These questions are important to consider.
Additionally, why did Hindenburg not release any reports on SVB? And why was no forensic analysis done on Credit Suisse? It's crucial to understand the reasoning behind these actions, as it's how short-sellers conduct their business. The timing of these events is also worth questioning.
3) Raghuram Rajan
India is ‘dangerously close’ to Hindu rate of growth, says Raghuram Rajan
Speaking to a media outlet, when asked about the lowing GDP rates. He was quick to make the statement of “[Hindu Rate of growth]”.
Personally, I do not appreciate the use of the name of a particular section of society, caste, creed, sex, or religion to associate with something negative or bad. It is disrespectful to that section of society.
These so-called "educates" quickly jump ship to show they are liberals. But how on earth will making derogatory statements about a certain targeted section of society give you an affiliation with liberals?
4) Khalistan Issue
I don't want to stir up any controversy or provoke any agendas here, but I can't help but feel affected by the series of events happening outside of India. Indian embassies are being attacked, and Hindu temples are being targeted in the West (TOI). Statesmen from the West are promoting hate speech and strategically promoting certain agendas. I can't wrap my head around why all of this is happening now.
5) Foreign Media
Certain media outlets around the world have always tried to portray a negative image of India. I attribute this to their lack of understanding of our culture and social norms. The common mistake they make is being judgmental without a proper understanding of the matter, and trying to evaluate and interpret it based on their own perspectives.
a) BBC document on PM Modi & its Timings
17 January –24 January 2023; The BBC has always been critical of India. Please don't get me wrong, I am not against a free media. In fact, a free and fair media is the only tool to fight against fearmongering. However, my question is about the timing of the documentary. This year, the G20 summit is scheduled to take place in India, and India has also been chosen to preside over the summit. Is there any connection between these events and the documentary?
b) Comments like: India is riding the same boat As Sri Lanka
Comments like this show clear intent of hatred towards India. Sri Lanka's economy was in bad shape due to COVID-19. A substantial part of their GDP was affected by the pandemic, and years of corruption by higher government officials have led to this situation.
When we consider the Annual GDP of India ($3,176,296M) compared to Sri Lanka ($88,979M) as of 2021, it is almost 36 times higher, and the Debt Per Capita as of 2020 in India ($1,704) is less than half of Sri Lanka's ($4,140). (CountryEconomy.com)
The Indian economy has been growing slowly over the last five years, with an average annual GDP growth of 3.46%. This rate of growth could be attributed to several factors, including geopolitical tensions, the EU recession atmosphere, and the pandemic.
However, claiming that statements like this are a clear sign of hidden agendas is unwarranted and should be avoided.
c)British American Journalist Mehdi Hasan tweet
April 26th 22: British American Journalist Mehdi Hasan tweeted his MSNBC editorial report saying, “Putin. Orban. Le Pen. We talk a lot in the West about the rise of far-right authoritarians and yet we never mention India’s Narendra Modi and his BJP. I did a deep-dive into India under Modi & new warnings of an anti-Muslim genocide.”
When we say journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy, journalists must respect that and play their part too. Some uneducated individuals employ attention-grabbing strategies to quickly gain publicity, but their actions can cause a series of ripple effects. In this age of algorithms and AI, we must be selective about what we consume.
d) CAA & abolition of Article 370’s extreme reaction from western media and think tanks.
I understand that discussing these points could cause serious trouble for me. However, we should not hesitate to raise questions, especially when outsiders are pointing fingers at us and questioning our integrity and intentions.
I believe that India's policies regarding these two issues are private matters, and outsiders should refrain from jumping to conclusions without understanding their impact and implications.
6) Personal attack:
There have been numerous incidents in the past, as well as recently, of Indian individuals being targeted on foreign soil:
On October 6th, 2022, Indian student Shubham Garg was stabbed multiple times in Sydney.(The Hindu)
On November 26th, 2022, Indian YouTuber couple Abhi and Niyu were racially abused and threatened while attending the UN event COP27 in Egypt. (@abhiandniyu)
In 2020, Hiren and Vidhi Adhiya, another YouTuber couple, were killed by an intruder (a Pakistani construction worker) while they slept at their home. (Tribune)
7) Irresponsible acts by Indian Politicians abroad
Recently, we have witnessed some very prominent Indian MPs and parliamentarians using foreign universities as a means to promote their brand by highlighting the shortcomings of their opposition.
Democracy is a wonderful system that holds everyone accountable for their actions and allows for constructive criticism from the opposition. However, this does not mean we should air our grievances outside of our home. Why are we giving outsiders the authority to judge us? Would you discuss your family issues in front of a guest or in public? Shouldn't the same apply for any nation as well?
Fearmongering can have serious implications for political stability, social cohesion, and international relations. It can contribute to a breakdown of social harmony, increased polarization, and division among people. The impact of fearmongering on Indian society is a significant issue. It has implications for politics, communal relations, and India's global reputation.
How these attacks contribute to fearmongering and shape public opinion in India
False information about India, often including personal attacks against Indian citizens and negative portrayals of Indian businesses and cultural institutions abroad, has led to a negative global perception of the country. This fearmongering can lead to social division and polarization. To counteract these attacks, we must understand them and promote a more accurate portrayal of India.
These targeted attacks can fuel nationalist sentiments and a sense of victimhood, shaping public opinion in India. Negative portrayals of India globally can lead some Indians to believe that the country is being unfairly attacked, contributing to a polarized society and hindering efforts to address underlying issues.
Section 2: Fearmongering Against India: Impact of on Indian Society
Analysis of the impact of fearmongering on Indian politics, social cohesion, and communal relations
Fearmongering can greatly impact Indian society, especially politics, social cohesion, and communal relations. The spread of false information, disinformation, and propaganda can lead to division and polarization, causing social disharmony and political instability.
One significant consequence of fearmongering is its impact on Indian politics. It can influence electoral outcomes by fostering fear and insecurity among voters. This can result in divisive politics, characterized by communal or identity-based appeals by political parties.
Furthermore, fearmongering can harm social cohesion and communal relations in India. The dissemination of fake news, hate speech, and propaganda can intensify tensions and conflicts among communities, leading to violence and unrest.
How fearmongering affects India's reputation on the global stage
Fearmongering on India can have serious consequences. Misinformation and sensationalized news stories reinforce biases and negative stereotypes, damaging India's global reputation and potentially leading to a decrease in foreign investment, tourism, and talent. It can also limit India's influence in important global discussions and erode its ability to engage in international diplomacy. To combat fearmongering, media literacy campaigns, legal remedies, and diplomatic efforts should be taken to promote a more accurate and balanced understanding of India's political, social, and communal landscape.
Section 3: Fearmongering Against India: Role of Social Media's Role in its Amplification
How social media contributes to spreading and amplifying the impact of fearmongering by disinformation and misinformation
Social media's proliferation of false information and propaganda has led to a breakdown of social cohesion, increased polarization, and division among people. False information, hate speech, and propaganda can be disseminated rapidly through social media, with the potential to reach millions of people within minutes, making it a powerful tool for those who seek to manipulate public opinion.
The impact of social media on fearmongering can be seen in many recent incidents. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, false information about the virus and its origins was spread on social media. This led to stigmatization and discrimination against certain communities. Similarly, during the recent Hindenburg Report against Adanai Groups, foreign media started promoting news of human rights violations too, causing a ripple effect. This way, disinformation and propaganda were spread, further contributing to the spread of fearmongering.
Social media amplifies fearmongering through disinformation and misinformation. To counter this negative impact, promote media literacy, responsible social media usage, ethical journalism and regulate social media platforms to prevent false information and propaganda.
Section 4: Fearmongering Against India: Solutions to Address Fearmongering in India
Fearmongering is a growing issue in India, but there are solutions that can address this problem. However, before implementing any solutions, citizens, bureaucrats, and statesmen must acknowledge it as a concern for the nation's very fabric of integrity and existence.
4 Way to Fighting Fearmongering : Media literacy campaigns, Legal Remedies, Diplomatic efforts & citizen awareness
Fearmongering is a serious issue with a profound impact on society. Strategies to fight it include media literacy campaigns, legal remedies, diplomatic efforts, and citizen awareness.
Media literacy Campaigns promote responsible media practices, increase awareness, and teach citizens to evaluate information critically, differentiate fact from fiction, and avoid sensationalism and propaganda.
Legal remedies Holding fearmongers accountable through the legal system can deter harmful misinformation.
Diplomatic efforts Constructive dialogue with other nations can help fight fearmongering by addressing misperceptions and countering false narratives.
Citizen awareness By encouraging individuals to be informed and engaged, it is possible to build a more resilient society that is better equipped to resist fearmongering and other forms of harmful propaganda.
In conclusion, fighting fearmongering requires a comprehensive approach that includes media literacy campaigns, legal remedies, diplomatic efforts, and citizen awareness. By working together, we can combat fearmongering and promote a more informed, engaged, and resilient society.
Conclusion
Impact of fearmongering against India and its implications for global relations
Fearmongering against India harms global relations, damages India's reputation, and fuels social unrest and division. Addressing it through responsible media, citizen awareness, and constructive dialogue is necessary for a more resilient, cohesive society and better relations between nations based on mutual understanding and respect.
Final thoughts on the need to address fearmongering and promote accurate and balanced reporting in India
To address this issue,
We need media literacy campaigns, legal remedies, and diplomatic efforts to promote responsible media practices and educate citizens on identifying and countering false narratives.
We also need to promote constructive dialogue and understanding between communities. Accurate and balanced reporting is crucial for an informed society, especially in a diverse and complex society like India.
We need different perspectives to promote inclusivity and social harmony.
We need statesmen to act more responsibly on foreign soil and refrain from unnecessary publicity stunts, which could create a negative impact on the country's image.
In summary, we must address fearmongering and promote accurate reporting in India for peaceful relations with other nations.
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Reference List
1) Sdblognation: a) Soro's comment on India & b) Adani Vs Hindenburg.
2) Wikipedia: On Hindu Rate of Growth.
3) TOI: Khalistan Latest issue.
4) BBC : Document on PM Modi episode 2.
5) Country Economy: For GDP & Debt Per Capita figures.
6) Twitter: Feed of Mehdi Hasan(British American Journalist).
7) The Hindu: News on Indian national attached on racial discrimination.
8) The Tribune: News on Indian couple murdered in UK.
9) Twitter: Feed of @abhiandniya on their personal experience on racial discrimination.
10) TOI: Fake News propaganda during COVID-19.
It's shouldn't have be termed "Hindu rate of growth". Encouraging gradual growth is actually Fabianism.
So, to rephrase this to a certain religious ethnicity is highly condemnable.
Interesting