Memetic Warfare Archive

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FALSE DILEMMA

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False dilemma depicts a black and white scenario. Reduces a complex argument to a small number of alternatives and concluding that only one option is appropriate. Either you agree with us, or you are a fool. But in the real world is not that simple.

The false dilemma technique is based on a fallacious reasoning, involving only two choices which are presented even if yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists between two extremes. False dilemmas are usually characterized by “either this or that” language, but can also be characterized by omissions of choices.

This kind of tactic depicts a black and white scenario. For the propagandist is essential to reduce a complex argument to a small number of alternatives and concluding that only one option is appropriate. “Either you agree with us, or you are a fool”. Another variety is the false trilemma, which is when three choices are presented when more exist.

[IMG BELOW] The meme “Left Exit 12 Off Ramp” metatext is clearly descriving the action made by Sweden like something illogical, just like in the poster (1943) where the illogical choice is to drive with Hitler.

See other propaganda techniques:
ASSERTION ◊ BANDWAGON ◊ CARD STACKING ◊ GLITTERING GENERALITIES ◊ FALSE DILEMMA ◊ THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS ◊ NAME CALLING ◊ PINPOINTING THE ENEMY ◊ PLAIN FOLKS ◊ TESTIMONIALS ◊ TRANSFER ◊ DESIRES AND FEARS