verne.elpais.com
False Quote Attributed to José Saramago Circulates Online
A fabricated quote falsely attributed to deceased author José Saramago is spreading online, particularly in Spain, often alongside photos of politicians Pablo Casado and Albert Rivera, and was amplified recently when "Casado y Rivera" trended on August 11th.
- What methods can help identify and prevent the spread of false quotes online?
- To identify false quotes, look for attribution to deceased individuals, utilize fact-checking websites like Quote Investigator, and consult specialized quote databases. Remember that a quote's appearance with a photo of the author does not automatically confirm its authenticity. Critical thinking is crucial; if a quote about "future fascists" sounds too general, further investigation is warranted.
- What is the false quote attributed to José Saramago, and how widely has it spread?
- The false quote states: "Los fascistas del futuro no van a tener aquel estereotipo de Hitler o Mussolini. No van a tener aquel gesto duro militar. Van a ser hombres hablando de todo aquello que la mayoría quiere oír." It has circulated widely online for months, with a Facebook post from July 22nd garnering over 8,000 shares in three weeks. Its spread was further amplified when it resurfaced recently with the trending topic "Casado y Rivera.
- What is the origin and lifespan of this false quote, and what similar examples exist?
- The earliest online traces of the quote are two April 2018 tweets, one by Brazilian Senator Lindberg Farias and another by journalist Chico Pinheiro (since deleted after the Saramago Foundation's intervention). This quote's structure echoes a famous false Churchill quote: "Los fascistas del futuro se llamarán a sí mismos antifascistas." Other examples include a false Quino quote ("paren el mundo, que me bajo") and a fabricated "definition of son" attributed to Saramago.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a clear framing by focusing on the spread of a false quote attributed to José Saramago, highlighting its rapid dissemination on social media and its association with specific political figures. The narrative emphasizes the deceptive nature of the quote and its potential to mislead the public. While this focus is understandable given the topic, it could be argued that a broader examination of the phenomenon of false quotes online, including the reasons for their spread and the role of social media algorithms, might offer a more comprehensive perspective.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The article uses terms like "false quote" and "deceptive," which are accurate descriptions of the situation. There's no evidence of loaded language or emotional appeals to manipulate the reader.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of the potential motivations behind the creation and spread of the false quote. Exploring whether it was a deliberate attempt at misinformation, a misunderstanding, or a coincidence could provide valuable context. Additionally, a deeper analysis of the algorithms and social media platforms that facilitated the quote's rapid spread could provide further insight. The article also doesn't explore the broader implications of fake news and misinformation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the spread of misinformation and fake quotes attributed to famous figures, impacting the ability of people to access reliable information and make informed decisions. This directly relates to SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, specifically target 16.10 which aims to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. The spread of fake news undermines trust in institutions and fuels social division, hindering progress towards peaceful and inclusive societies.