Zmiana procesu myślenia, czyli „pranie mózgu” na przykładzie „Gazety Krakowskiej” 1949–1956

Abstract

The concept of brainwashing means undertaking actions aimed at changing the worldview, beliefs, attitudes, way of thinking, and the personality of a person. The phenomenon of press brainwashing is of slightly more subtle nature and is connected to a widely understood propaganda. The assets of press such as continuity, topicality, visibility, and political engagement made it an important medium for propaganda. Analyzed were issues of “Gazeta Krakowska” of the years 1949-1956. They are full of distortions, inaccuracies, and partial, one-sided assessments. Views mentioned in the paper favored the praising of authorities or disappointment or concern about certain activity of Kulaks or clergy. The press also became an instrument of [political] party used for constructing the desired system. The world presented was bipolar. The USSR and other socialist countries were showed as defenders of peace, whereas the countries of Western Europe and the USA were the police. In this way, ideology became reality.