## AstroTurf: From Playing Fields to Fake Movements

AstroTurf is a brand name synonymous with artificial turf, but it's also become a term used to describe something inauthentic. Let's delve into the history of AstroTurf and its double meaning.

**The Original AstroTurf:**

* **A Revolutionary Product:** Invented in 1964, AstroTurf was the brainchild of Monsanto Corporation. This short-pile synthetic turf offered a durable, low-maintenance alternative to natural grass for sports fields.
* **Rise to Fame:** The Astrodome, the world's first domed stadium, adopted AstroTurf in 1965. Soon, other stadiums and athletic fields followed suit, making AstroTurf a household name.
* **Modern Evolution:**  While the original AstroTurf had a rough feel, modern versions use longer piles and infill materials to mimic natural grass more closely, offering better performance and safety for athletes.

**Astroturfing: A Fake Grassroots Movement**

* **Borrowing the Name:** The term "astroturfing" emerged in the 1980s. It uses the brand name AstroTurf to describe a deceptive practice where a movement or opinion appears to be supported by a large grassroots effort, but is actually orchestrated by a hidden organization or corporation.
* **Creating False Consensus:** Astroturfing campaigns use fake social media accounts, staged protests, or biased polls to manufacture public support for a cause. The goal is to deceive the public into believing there's a strong organic movement behind an agenda.
* **Impact on Society:** Astroturfing can undermine public trust in legitimate movements and make it difficult to discern genuine public opinion.

**AstroTurf Today:**

* **A Leading Brand:** AstroTurf remains a major player in the artificial turf industry, offering various athletic field surfaces and even options for landscaping.
* **The Term Lives On:** The term "astroturfing" continues to be used to describe deceptive attempts to influence public opinion.

Understanding the dual meaning of AstroTurf sheds light on both the world of sports surfaces and the tactics used to manipulate public perception.