September 03, 2022

Russian News Has Gotten Wacky

Russia's press is in a bit of a crisis. Anyone caught spreading "misinformation" (regardless of how true that "misinformation" is) can face up to fifteen years in prison. Dissent is being quashed. And, in response, the established media, those that are well-known and run by the state, are filling the void.

Take, for instance, a smattering of articles encountered while on a recent research foray. It is news that's not generally fit to print here at Russian Life, but which is being churned out by daily for RIA Novosti, one of Russia's main media outlets, akin to CNN or BBC.

"How to Live in the Age of Disinformation? Americans Don't Know." The author cites two articles by American writers—both more aptly described as blog posts in less-than-reputable outlets—which, according to him, prove that Americans are losing trust in their institutions and therefore that American society is crumbling. In reality, the blogs urge nuance, caution, and contemplation in a digitized and fragmented world, pointing out that Americans can sometimes trend towards hedonism.
"'Worse than Russia': An Alarm Has Been Sounded in the USA because of a New Threat." The article points to a Washington Times piece roughly half the length of the RIA retelling that essentially discusses U.S. Navy efforts to prevent rust corrosion on warships. There is no story here, just that rust prevention is important. Seriously: read that Washington Times article; see what they cite (two sentences), and note what their extrapolation is (the rest of the article). But add a picture of a rusty battleship and suddenly the implication is that the American fleet is leaky.
"'We Are No More!' The Inglorious Finale of Escaped Russian Liberals." A London art gallery canceled a pro-Ukrainian exhibition because it was actually organized by two Russian immigrants. Ukrainian residents raised concerns and the show was nixed. This seems to be a minor, even petty, incident. But to RIA, this is proof of rampant "Russophobia": "As you can see, in London the new Briton is still considered Russian, no matter what he says or does."
"Czechs Tell How the United States Helped Putin and Fell into a Trap." An opinion piece published in the Czech newspaper Idnes.cz argues that the American response to the invasion has drawn Ukraine away from the Western sphere of influence and encouraged China to hew closer to Moscow. This is, according to the Czech contributor and RIA journalist, exactly what Putin wanted. This is an interesting theory, the kind of thing one might find in the Letters-to-the-Editor section of an Eastern European newspaper, but there doesn't seem to be much evidence to back it up.
"'Hundreds of Thousands Will Die': What Authorities of Western Countries Have Prepared for Their Fellow Citizens." This article cites speeches by military and political leaders of America, the UK, Poland, and other Western nations calling for increased training and readiness in anticipation of an armed conflict. The article points to these sound bites not only as evidence of how behind Western militaries are but also how eager Western leaders are for a fight. To RIA, this is evidence that "US and EU authorities are trying to absolve themselves of responsibility for their own aggressive plans and the failures of their economies."

Back in the day, Russian ideology was obsessed with the "all-pervasive conspiracy theory of Western hostility." These articles noted above, and hundreds others like them, have taken this obsession to near-ridiculous levels. Every whiff of an argument to support this worldview can be used as ammunition, proof that the West is conniving to attack Russia, but that Russia is, at the same time, undoubtedly superior.

This should also serve as a bit of a warning: "fake news at work." It's so easy for a careless article written on a slow day to be picked up, made hysterical, and rebroadcast by the Kremlin's news machine as evidence for crumbling Western civilization. It's a reminder for readers to check sources and traverse the internet with caution and skepticism.

That's how you live in the age of disinformation. Hopefully more Russian journalists can learn how to.

Tags: dissent repression war in ukraine news

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