Methods of Information Warfare: Rewriting
In the realm of information warfare, one of the most audacious and manipulative tactics is Rewriting. This method involves taking original facts or established truths about a subject and completely altering them to fit a specific narrative. Rewriting is not merely a reinterpretation or rephrasing; it is a deliberate attempt to overwrite what is factually known with fabricated or distorted versions of events. This tactic is particularly insidious because it often co-opts the authority of history or trusted sources to lend credibility to the rewritten narrative.
The Mechanics of Rewriting
Rewriting operates by targeting the audience’s trust in established knowledge and systematically replacing it with falsehoods or heavily biased perspectives. The process often involves:
Tearing Down Established Facts: This is typically done by:
Labeling historical accounts or evidence as biased, incomplete, or fabricated.
Highlighting minor inconsistencies in records to cast doubt on the entire narrative.
Presenting an Alternative Version: Once the existing framework is discredited, the manipulator introduces their rewritten narrative as the "true" version of events. This version:
Aligns with the manipulator’s agenda or ideology.
Is presented with confidence, often claiming to correct historical inaccuracies.
Reinforcing Through Repetition: The rewritten narrative is repeated consistently across platforms and conversations, embedding it into the audience’s consciousness as if it were fact.
Overlapping with Other Tactics: Rewriting is often combined with methods like Tear Down & Present, where established knowledge is systematically dismantled and replaced with rewritten assertions.
Examples of Rewriting in Action
World War II Narratives: Some groups have attempted to rewrite the history of Nazi Germany, downplaying atrocities, altering statistics, or reframing motivations to align with ideological agendas.
Religious History: Rewriting has been used to attack institutions like the Catholic Church. For instance:
Historical events are exaggerated or fabricated to portray the Church as uniquely corrupt or harmful.
Positive contributions are ignored or reframed as self-serving acts.
Colonialism and National Histories: Entire chapters of colonial and national histories have been rewritten to:
Justify oppression or exploitation.
Downplay the contributions or resistance of marginalized groups.
Social Movements: Activists or detractors rewrite the histories of movements to either glorify or vilify their actions, depending on their stance.
Why Rewriting is Effective
Rewriting works because it exploits fundamental human vulnerabilities in processing information:
Erosion of Certainty: By dismantling what people already "know," it creates a vacuum that can be filled with the rewritten narrative.
Appeal to Corrective Justice: Rewritten narratives often claim to "correct" historical biases, appealing to audiences’ desire for fairness and truth.
Repetition Effect: As with many tactics in information warfare, repetition embeds the rewritten version as the dominant narrative, eventually replacing the original.
Authority Hijacking: Rewriters often misuse the credibility of historical figures, institutions, or academic formats to lend legitimacy to their fabrications.
Recognizing and Defending Against Rewriting
To counter rewriting, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant and proactive:
Verify Sources: Check the credibility of the sources being cited in the rewritten narrative. Are they reputable? Do they align with established facts?
Compare with Original Records: Cross-reference rewritten claims with primary sources and well-documented evidence.
Highlight Manipulation: Expose the techniques being used, such as selective omissions or exaggerated claims.
Promote Historical Literacy: Encourage education about historical events from diverse, credible perspectives to build resilience against rewriting attempts.
Challenge Rewritten Assertions: Directly address falsehoods with evidence and logic, focusing on dismantling the manipulator’s credibility.
Conclusion
Rewriting is a potent method of information warfare that seeks to alter the fabric of understanding by replacing established facts with manipulated narratives. By tearing down what people already know and presenting fabricated versions as truth, this tactic reshapes perceptions and reinforces agendas.
Understanding how rewriting operates is essential for protecting historical integrity and resisting manipulative tactics. In an age where narratives are constantly contested, vigilance, critical thinking, and a commitment to truth are our strongest defenses against the insidious power of rewriting.