social movement

Opacity

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Sometimes information is kept secret from citizens.  This is useful when hiding corruption, money laundering, vote buying, tax evasion, etc.  With opacity in place, over the years elite business and governments can distance themselves further and further away from any controls on them.

Hidden Agendas

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Society expects its leaders to keep their agendas transparent and in line with the agenda of the groups they represent, however, this is rarely the case.  Those in power often have agendas that aren't in line with the public's expectations of them, and for this reason they may choose to keep these agendas hidden.

Social Darwinism

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Some people are just weaker than others and have less power or opportunity to take power.  The idea of Social Darwinism is that it is natural that these people fail, and that society shouldn't feel responsible for taking care of these people.  Basically, it's a dog eat dog world.

Denialism

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This is the adherence to certain beliefs proven to be untrue -- or refusing to accept as truth something that has been proven to be true.  Denialism can be motivated by religious beliefs, self-interest, or as a defense mechanism out of fear or discomfort.  Inculcating knee-jerk distrust for particular people or groups is often a useful part of denialism.

Eye for an Eye — Retribution

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Equivalent exchange by way of exact behavior.  This is the idea that, "doing unto others the same as has been done unto you," is the true balance of justice.  This approach, diligently adhered to, motivates a perpetual cycle of violence.  An eye for an eye doesn't leave the whole world blind, just people who go around poking out other people's eyes!

Cultural Imperialism

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This is the way in which powerful cultures present their culture as the most acceptable lifestyle, and condemn the cultural practices of others.  Some cultural nuances are acceptable, but if it contradicts the values of the dominant culture, those ideals must be eliminated.

Ultra-nationalism

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This is the belief that your country of choice is bar none, hands down, the best country in the world.  No other country comes close and your country's interests are more important than all other country's interests...combined.  Without the violence and intimidation that accompanies this anti-pattern, the people and groups who employ it would seem a lot more humorous.

Professional Obfuscation

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The complexities of the world often make reasoning about it very difficult.  In many public deliberations it can be useful if this situation remains impenetrable and unsettled.  Spreading false information, campaigning to hide the truth, and arguing against the validity of certain studies can all be forms of this pattern.  Public relations corporations are available to do this work -- if the client has the necessary funds.  One of the best cases of this is the cigarette industry in the United States.

Silenced Voices

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Words are powerful, and the stories they make can topple governments.  The voices of the oppressed can sometimes carry an emotional appeal so strong that organizations and governments will actively censor them to maintain the status quo.  Some voices must be silenced to maintain "law and order."  This rationale for silencing some voices -- violently in many cases -- has stood the test of time as it offers a defensible excuse for tacit compliance.

Fear Mongering

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Fear is a very big motivator, perhaps one of the biggest motivators for human behavior.  Since it is such an effective motivator it is often used to influence entire societies toward specific ends.  When people are stifled with fear they think less clearly and can become easier to manipulate and control.

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