How Americans Became Brainwashed Consumers

Propaganda has played a pivotal role in shaping modern consumerism, specifically in regards to American consumerism. The sophisticated use of propaganda, particularly the strategies developed by Edward Bernays, transformed consumer behavior and established a culture of overconsumption. Bernays, often called the "father of public relations," pioneered techniques that manipulated public opinion through media, ultimately manufacturing consent for products and services that fueled the rise of hyper-consumerism.

At its core, propaganda functions by appealing to human emotions, desires, and insecurities. Edward Bernays understood this and harnessed it to promote products in a way that made them appear not only desirable but essential to the consumer's identity and status. His work was rooted in the concept of manufacturing consent, where people were subconsciously led to believe that purchasing certain goods was a matter of personal choice, when in fact their preferences were carefully shaped by strategic messaging. This deliberate manipulation of consumer desires through mass media forms the backbone of modern marketing and is a primary reason for the endless cycle of consumption.

Consumerism, driven by propaganda, created a social landscape where personal value and success are measured by material possessions. By continually fostering a sense of inadequacy and desire for new products, propaganda compels individuals to buy more, even when they don’t need to. This behavior is not accidental but an orchestrated outcome of carefully crafted messaging that appeals to deeper psychological needs—status, comfort, and the promise of happiness through material wealth.

The role of media in this process cannot be understated. Propaganda has leveraged advertising, television, radio, and now digital platforms, making it omnipresent in the consumer's life. Every advertisement, product placement, or sponsored content subtly reinforces the idea that consumption is the path to fulfillment. The saturation of this messaging makes it increasingly difficult for consumers to differentiate between their true needs and the artificial desires cultivated by propaganda.

Hyper-consumerism, characterized by the constant acquisition of new goods, is directly linked to these propaganda efforts. Bernays’ methods were not merely about selling individual products; they were about creating a consumer culture that drives ongoing demand. In this culture, the focus is on buying, discarding, and then buying again, a cycle that benefits corporations but often leaves consumers feeling unsatisfied and constantly searching for the next product that promises happiness.

This endless cycle has profound implications not just for individuals but also for society and the environment. Overconsumption leads to waste, environmental degradation, and the exploitation of natural resources, all while reinforcing social and economic inequalities. By promoting consumerism as a way of life, propaganda has ensured that consumption remains central to modern existence, often at the expense of long-term sustainability.

In conclusion, propaganda has been instrumental in creating the endless consumer. Edward Bernays' work in manufacturing consent laid the foundation for the rise of consumerism, using media and psychological manipulation to foster a culture of overconsumption. Today, the legacy of these propaganda techniques continues to drive hyper-consumerism, shaping not only individual behavior but also the broader social and environmental landscape. Understanding the mechanisms behind this manipulation is crucial for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of endless consumption and seek more mindful, sustainable ways of living.

#consumerism #financialfreedom #financialeducation

0:00 Intro
0:20 How Propaganda Forced Americans Into WW1
3:29 How Edward Bernays Began Using Propaganda
5:13 What Advertising Was Like Before Propaganda
5:47 How Edward Bernays Manipulated Women Into Smoking (Torches Of Freedom)
7:07 How The Color Green Became "Fashionable"
7:43 How Fake Institutions Get Created To Push Propaganda
8:15 How Doctors Became Used In Advertisements
9:08 Why Americans Eat Eggs And Bacon For Breakfast
10:47 How Propaganda Changed Advertisements Forever
11:10 How Advertisements Used Whisper Copy Ads To Shift American Values
13:11 How Ernest Ditcher Manipulated The Desires Of Americans
13:58 What ACTUALLY Inspired The Barbie Doll
14:28 Edward Bernays "Ethics" Revolving Propaganda
14:55 How Edward Bernays Used Propaganda To Corrupt Guatemala
15:33 Who Really Was Edward Bernays
17:00 Why Propaganda Is Still Used To Manipulate The Masses

Titles for the Algo!
How Propaganda Sold Consumerism To America
How Propaganda Stole American Free Will
How Propaganda Forced American Consumerism
How Propaganda Brainwashed American Consumers
How Propaganda Forced Consumerism On America

[PaulTheadra]

When I was in the US Army, I saw propaganda every day, after leaving, I see it everywhere now, in our stores, parks, advertisements, streets, people and news. People are not left to think for themselves, with the internet now, no where is free.

[ichaukan]

Advertising and propaganda are basically the same thing. The difference is advertising is made to sell goods and services while propaganda is made to sell beliefs and ideals.

[jzmina]

The part the bewilders me is that other Westerners think propaganda is an exclusively American issue as if they’re immune…

[TheOxIshere]

I’m not sure how this channel ended up in my feed, but I’m glad it did. What a great channel.

[uukk]

When propaganda is so strong that only a few people know that they are propaganda

[OliviaStapivic]

I never comment on videos but this was one of the most eye opening videos I’ve ever seen. I wish millions could see this video and the speech you made at the end. I hope more people can wake up to what’s been going on for decades. I also agree with your point that we weren’t put on earth to be a mindless consumer but we as a society have been brainwashed to believe so.

[Money-Mind-Set]

A few steps to take based on the conclusion of the video;
- Don't feel the need keep up with the Jones's (have decent standards and live within means, not worrying about others and their perceptions)
- Realise that material things don't define who you are
- Possessions own you, not the other way around
- Anything other than a necessary purchase, walk away to see if you still want it later. If still desired, walk away again. Do this a few more times and you'll realise how many things you don't need.
- If something (written, video etc.) mentions a product or increases your desire for something to better your life... It's been designed to manipulate you into consuming

[ChiefShepherd-dx]

"Americans will eat and buy anything Anything!"

- George Carlin

[AFNick]

I knew about Bernays, but I learned a lot from this video including why green became fashionable.

[changvasejarik]

Enlightening, it was the hypocrisy aspect that always ticked me off with propaganda.


I was and still am bothered by people in power who refuse to practice what they preach.

[caebo]

Consumerism is awesome. Nothing beats a 64oz Dr.Pepper slushie.

[Novastar.SaberCombat]

People stopped supporting independent projects and individuals long, lllooonnng ago. Now, everyone is a corporate crony whether they comprehend and recognize it or not. They've no idea what their neighbors are doing, and even if one of them was an exemplary artist or inventor, it isn't as though they'd support them. Instead, they'd simply buy a Tesla.

[hannahkopp]

Life is literally about eating good food with people you love! Thats my feelings at least

[crterwil]

So very glad I found this channel. Answers so many questions and intuition. I’m much older than you and so very glad to see a young person getting it and sharing the facts.

[joia]

I would say consumption distracts us incredibly well from all the injustices in the world and in our own lives. Nowadays everything is too expensive for the average person and that means that you notice more because you can no longer distract yourself properly and you become unhappy, depressed, addicted to drugs and so on. It all has to do with each other and that's why there are "suddenly" so many people struggling with their mental health. At the same time, it's also a good thing because the more we deal with the issues, the closer we come to finding solutions to the problems instead of just criticizing the symptoms. I can also imagine that creativity is also becoming stronger, many people make something themselves, whether furniture, jewelry, etc

[christtofthewave]

i really like how at the end of the videos, you take these lessons from history and condense into a healthier view of life and a call to action.

thank you for your work

[themainc]

Always find videos like this, talking about the manipulation of the masses away from a needs based society to a wants based society because all I can think is, who can afford their wants? The bulk of my funds just go on housing and bills. But then I remember, they're talking about the boomers, not us. It'll be interesting to see what happens with all these companies when no-one can afford their products anymore.

[genxlife]

Mindless consumerism would be rendered obsolete in a resource based economy.

[MidasRah]

I agree. I find it hard to believe we are put on this world to work and spend, wasting our time and energy to death.

[evanparker]

brother this whole video was just you spitting facts. I couldn’t have worded this issue better