Published on September 17, 2024, 12:45 am

In the realm of political messaging, one might be tempted to proudly flaunt their favorite candidate’s name on a bumper sticker. A trend popularized in the 1990s at political marketing summits suggested that such visibility was akin to $200 worth of advertising. However, human behavior begs to differ. Bumper stickers rarely change people’s voting choices.

If you’re a staunch Donald Trump supporter, for instance, endorsing a Harris-Walz sticker and exhibiting negative driving habits is more likely to get people riled up and possibly vote MAGA than simply brandishing a Trump-Vance decal. This peculiar belief stems from an understanding of how our brains function.

The human brain craves pleasure but also seeks ways to dodge discomfort or pain. Advertising campaigns are built around this cognitive pattern. Some promise gratification while others offer solutions to evade problems—this dual strategy typically drives profit maximization. It all boils down to our brain’s instinctive penchant for stories or narratives—we interpret information through the lens of storytelling. It’s not surprising; indeed, Jesus was known for communicating through parables.

Successful marketing strategies are intrinsically linked with compelling storytelling—a classic tale featuring a hero and a villain often captures public attention.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict offers unraveled narratives worth studying: one presents Putin as an audacious dictator intent on re-establishing the Soviet Union by claiming neighboring territories by force—a possible prelude to World War III if NATO finds itself head-to-head with nuclear-equipped Russia.

Conversely, proponents like Tucker Carlson argue that Russia is merely seeking cordial relations with the West and desires only unhindered trade of oil, grain, and other resources—asserting that America unnecessarily complicated matters by expanding NATO right up to Russia’s borders against Putin’s warnings; hence the inevitable invasion post Biden-Harris’ suspected push for Ukraine joining NATO.

Whichever narrative one follows naturally demonizes the opposite side—if pro -Ukraine, Putin assumes a Hitler-esque image; if pro-Russian, Ukraine represents corruption and anarchy.

In recent news, with the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh for threatening former President Trump with an AK-47-style rifle in Florida, another narrative gains traction—particularly for pro-Russian folks who’d found imposing villainous attributes on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenging due to his appealing charisma. The arrest furnished them with their ideal foe—Routh takes on the role of a volatile revolutionary potentially sparking global chaos. The unfolding aftermath warrants close attention.

In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of how real news is processed and acted upon invites novel insights. Whether contemplating international conflicts or evaluating domestic political support—it’s essential to remember that our brains are drawn towards narratives aligned with our beliefs. Trusted news outlets provide these narratives but ultimately shape perspectives adhering to individuals’ biases—a phenomenon particularly evident when viewed through a Christian worldview that emphasizes the power of compelling stories.