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So, I recently got a new interest in politics and I want to gain a deeper understanding of how ideology is pushed. However, I am wary of reading stuff because I am not sure how to be critical while consuming information. Especially information about politics because it is a minefield of subversive tactics and manipulative half truths.
I wanted to get recommendations for good resources (books, podcasts, newsletters, blogs, anything really).
These are also the questions that plague me and I would greatly appreciate your insights (maybe even resources that discuss these as well):
How to critically read and catch manipulative "truth sandwich" writing
How to analyze current affairs and news
How to "know thine enemy" and read propaganda content deliberately in order to identify subtle tactics they use while making their arguments? (Especially when you don't have a firm grip on the truth as well and just know what's right intuitively)
Thanks!
PS- As a sensitive person, I am stepping into this territory very gingerly as this sort of content has effects on mental health. I am not planning to do this for prolonged times, because as someone else on this forum recently pointed out- it's not worth it really. My main purpose is to hone my abilities to be stronger in the face of expert gaslighting, especially in the political realm.
The book Weaponized Lies is helpful to become information literate. there are many specific examples of how information can be presented in a way that distorts the truth, it will help you recognize when something is off. In general, if you hear something sensational, do not just believe it or disbelieve it. Do some verification, then decide.
Studying rhetoric will also help you recognize when someone is manipulating you and to what end.