Authoritarian/reality inversion

About

An authoritarian reality inversion is a particular form of counterfactualism in which authoritarians repeat claims that are not only false but are in some ways the direct opposite of the evidenced truth.

Although the cause of this effect remains unclear, it seems likely that it is done deliberately with the intent of muddying the facts to the point where the reader, in confusion, is forced to accept the writer's conclusion without further analysis or critical thinking.

It would also appear to be a manifestation of the mirror argument phenomenon and a usage of epistemic closure.

Details

The following beliefs are often used as either direct claims or implied premises:

• "Non-partisanship" means treating both sides of an argument as equally valid, even if they aren't (i.e. the fallacy of moderation)
• Dissent is treasonous and un-patriotic.
• In the United States:
  • Conservatives/Republicans...
    • ...are the ones who are compassionate and care about individuals and workers, while liberals (Democrats) are bloodsucking vampires.
    • ...are cautious spenders who promote small government, while "tax-and-spend" liberals/Democrats will bankrupt the country
      • reality: US/gov/spending/by president
• People who blindly adhere to the dictates of their group affiliation are "moral", while those who base their actions on a careful consideration of the ethics of a situation as applied to their personal moral beliefs are "immoral" and/or materialistic.

Related

• A mirror argument is when the accuser is guilty of the act which they are accusing someone else of doing.
• Epistemic closure is when the knowledge available to a particular group of people is carefully limited by another group.
• The neocon reality inversion was a form of authoritarian reality inversion that was mainly popular during the Bush-Cheney administration.