Part 5/7:
Further complicating the landscape of narrative control, Benz reveals insights about the use of celebrities within the government’s strategic communications framework. He discusses training programs for public figures to disseminate tailored messaging, linking this to broader government initiatives.
This operant model exploits the influence of celebrities, who can sway public opinion significantly—consider Taylor Swift’s impact on voter turnout and health campaigns. The implications of coupling celebrity endorsement with government-funded messaging result in a concerning synergy, where cultural icons serve as instruments of statecraft.