Talk:Vaxxed/Archive 2

The 'reliable sources' that refer to the documentary as 'propaganda' do not explain why they consider Vaxxed to be propaganda, it appears to be used as a slur
The first reference (Eric Kohn) does not mention propaganda. It accuses Vaxxed of being intentionally dishonest. The Forbes reference describes it as propaganda but does not explain what it means by 'propaganda'. It appears to be used as a slur to discredit the film. The same goes for the ScienceBlogs reference, it doesn't explain why it considers the film to be propaganda and just uses the word as a pejorative.

I think it's important to use the word propaganda appropriately and consistently. You could consider Vaxxed to be propaganda but I would like to know what criteria you deem it to be propaganda and then to apply it to other documentaries, where appropriate.

It is not sufficient to simply point to 'reliable sources' where an apparently subjective judgement is being made. At least, the sources should explain what they mean by 'propaganda' but I have a strong feeling that it is being used as a slur to discredit the film and not technically. Therefore, it is not encyclopedic to describe this film as propaganda and it should be flagged as such, explained or changed. — Preceding unsigned comment added by DovicKnoble (talk • contribs) 11:56, 16 May 2021 (UTC)


 * Vaxxed is indeed propaganda, according to multiple reliable sources. We do not require people to explain the exact definition of propaganda when identifying something as such, because it's a word in common usage. And yes, this does meet the dictionary definition: it exists to promote a quasi-religious idea. In this case the wholly preposterous idea that vaccines cause autism (whereas in fact there isn't even a correlation, let alone a causal link). It doesn't help that it was produced by Andrew Wakefield, a disgraced former doctor who was disqualified for conducting unapproved invasive medical tests on vulnerable children in order to publish a fraudulent paper supporting a conclusion in which he had direct and undeclared financial interests. Vaxxed is based on the false premise that he is a "Brave Maverick" who is innocent and wronged. As one reviewer noted, Wakefield doesn't so much have a dog ion the fight, he is the dog. Guy (help! - typo?) 12:21, 16 May 2021 (UTC)