Blog Post 9

In Chapter 14, the strategy of counter-persuasion is used as a response to a social movement. Counter-persuasion challenges the social movement's credibility and attempts to discredit its leaders and members. By framing the issue, enhancing fear appeals, and revealing true motives, they can properly dissuade the public from following the movement.  When countering a movement, disproving the ideals of the group and displaying their poor decisions can help gain support. Appealing to the fears of supporters can help gain their support in the counter-movement.

An example of counter-persuasion is the current movement against the modeling industry. Print and video display girls who have been photoshopped to perfection. Girls are printed in magazines with no pores or blemishes and their makeup is blended flawlessly. Full body shots are photoshopped to make their hips unnaturally small proportions and their breasts or butts perfectly shaped. Young girls viewing this are shown that this is how a woman should look and it greatly affects their confidence. So much so, that many young girls and even some boys have gone to such extremes as starving themselves or forcing themselves to vomit after eating to get bodies like the models they see everywhere, everyday. A strong movement against this industry has gained traction recently. Dove soaps has launched a campaign to show the true beauty of woman. American Eagle's undergarment line, Aerie, has decided to no longer photoshop models. They are printed without any digital retouching and have gained lots of support through this decision. Videos have been published all over the internet showing a models process in getting ready for a shoot and then the retouching that takes place to make them look like this.