EOTO Term: False Flag

What is a False Flag?

False Flag is a strategy that has been used since the age of piracy. In the article, "Do You Know How to Identify a False Flag Event?," they define the term very well to understand form an outside perspective. In a sense, a False Flag was defined as "An action done by a person or group (ex. A government or intelligence agency) that's then blamed on someone else (ex. terrorist), to justify something that can't otherwise be justified." 

Another way to describe this is a way to sell us, the people, on a negative story. This is used to make the solution or outcome more appealing to other side or "outside perspective." 

Where did this originate from?

This strategy has been used for a long time, and for that reason, the name also came from the pirates as well. When a crew wanted to steal treasures from an enemy, they would raise "False Flags" on their ship that would be considered an ally flag. Once they sailed close enough, they would switch their flags and steal the treasure before the other side had time to prepare. This was not an uncommon strategy, and in fact, it has evolved through centuries into what we know today: cyber attacks.

How does this impact society?

False Flags negatively impact society because it plays with our fear and shapes the way we perceive certain events. It prevents us from knowing the truth about critical and damaging events in our history, and shockingly, they are used more than we may think. False Flag Operations also fall under the Psychological Operations for military tactics. 

One way that it can positively impacts society is how it brings unity to a common enemy. In a time of struggle and shock, it brings a clear message to the people which can bring relief and satisfaction.

How can you know when a False Flag occurs?

In order to really understand what is going on, it is crucial to ask these questions when an incident occurs:

1. Is the mainstream media, for the most part, in sync with their message? 

2. Is there message covered and published in a short time frame?

3. Is there an instant scapegoat with minimal investigation?

These questions can't prove a False Flag, but they can raise awareness to your thoughts and allow you to think critically for yourself. 

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/false-flag 

https://www.gaia.com/article/do-you-know-how-to-identify-a-false-flag-event

https://americandigitalnews.com/index.php/2017/10/15/false-flag-mean-exactly/