You're right, we can't just say people are propagandised and leave it at that. Masses, Elites, and Rebels: The Theory of “Brainwashing” is an evergreen analysis of what propaganda is and why it works so well not despite but because of the outrageous and unsubstantiated claims it makes.
There is a difference between being fed bullshit versus someone placing bullshit in front of a person while that person then decides to eat it.
You're right, we can't just say people are propagandised and leave it at that. Masses, Elites, and Rebels: The Theory of “Brainwashing” is an evergreen analysis of what propaganda is and why it works so well not despite but because of the outrageous and unsubstantiated claims it makes.
When the government spends billions of dollars attempting to ensure that bullshit is the only option it's also a bit different