Episode #45: Halo: Propaganda Evolved - Elon, Ice, and the Fight for Influence

Propaganda and Dehumanization Tactics in Government MessagingIn this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, along with Arthur and Joe, discusses recent propaganda tactics by the Department of Homeland Security, including the co-opting of popular culture such as Halo and Lord of the Rings for their messaging. They also delve into Elon Musk's new AI-powered competitor to Wikipedia, called Grockipedia, aimed at creating an "unbiased" encyclopedia. The episode features a game segment focusing on PR campaigns for video games, a historical detour discussing the Iran-Contra affair, and a critical analysis of corporate complicity in government propaganda.00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You00:45 Main Topics Overview01:33 Listener Engagement and Quiz03:03 True or Fake Game06:42 Detour in History: Iran Contra Affair16:13 Modern Parallels and Discussion33:08 Corporate Propaganda in Gaming34:05 Dehumanization and Intellectual Property Issues35:13 Government Propaganda and Copyright Infringement38:51 Microsoft's Complicity and Corporate Interests44:29 The Legacy Lifeline Trust Advertisement45:59 Elon Musk's Wikipedia Alternative51:37 Concerns About AI and Propaganda57:32 Wikipedia vs. Wikipedia: A Comparison01:03:09 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionSources: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/us-government-uses-halo-images-in-a-call-to-destroy-immigration-microsoft-declines-to-comment/https://www.npr.org/2025/10/29/nx-s1-5588695/wikipedia-grokipedia-comparisonhttps://lifehacker.com/tech/grokipedia-is-real-and-you-should-not-use-it?test_uuid=02DN02BmbRCcASIX6xMQtY9&test_variant=Ahttps://residentevil.fandom.com/wiki/Wesker_%26_Son_Resident_Evil_Human_Butcheryhttps://www.ocweekly.com/sin-to-win-video-gamings-most-ridiculous-marketing-stunts-6578747/https://youtu.be/6lIqNjC1RKU?si=UN2VxHcN_oTLAZ3pElection Resourceshttps://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2025/10/what-offices-are-up-for-election-this-year/#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20contested%20four,to%20tinyurl.com/bdzz25sp.