Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda is…

A message aimed at persuading the opinions and behavior of people.

It is generally carried out through media that is capable of reaching a large amount of people and effectively persuading them for or against a cause.

Why use propaganda?

1. To appeal to the credibility or authority/honesty of the presenter (Ethos)

2. To appeal to emotions (Pathos)

3. To appeal to logic and reasoning (Logos) Although the word propaganda has a negative

connotation, propaganda itself is not necessarily bad. By understanding the purpose of the propaganda and

the method being used, one can go a long way toward making effective independent decisions.

History of Propaganda

Propaganda has grown immensely during the past few centuries.

The beginning of radio also saw the beginning of advertising as we know it today, which is another form of propaganda.

The invention that has impacted propaganda the most is television.

The ability to visually communicate over long distances rapidly increased both the amount and the effectiveness of propaganda.

History Continued

The introduction of the Internet and e-mail has increased propaganda.

In an age where we are increasingly bombarded by propaganda from a variety of media, it is increasingly important to recognize and understand propaganda and its effects.

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Propaganda Techniques

Name Calling Testimonial Plain Folks Bandwagon Fear Euphemism

Name Calling

Linking a person with a negative name or idea

Name calling occurs often in politics and wartime scenarios

The propaganda attempts to arouse prejudice among the public by labeling the target something that the public dislikes.

Example: “The narrow-minded senator opposes recycling.”

Name Calling Examples

Testimonial

A famous person endorses the person or product

Testimonials are often used in advertising and political campaigns.

Example: “Todd Marshall, star of stage and screen, buys his shoes at Fine Footwear. Shouldn’t you?”

Testimonial Examples

Plain Folks A candidate tries to appear like an average, ordinary

person The propagandist will often attempt to use the

accent of a specific audience. Also, the propagandist, especially during speeches, may attempt to increase the illusion through imperfect pronunciation, stuttering, and a more limited vocabulary

When you dress, speak and act like other people, you say 'I am like you'. When people see you as like them, they are more likely to like and trust you in return. Once they have decided that you are trustworthy, they will accept what you say without question.

Plain Folks Examples

Bandwagon

Uses peer pressure to make people follow the crowd

Bandwagon is one of the most common techniques use in modern advertising.

The subject is to be convinced by the propaganda that since everyone else is doing it, they will be left out if they do not.

Example: “Every day more buyers are enjoying the conveniences of catalog shopping.”

Bandwagon Examples

Fear

Imparts scare tactics to motivate the actions of people

Fear propaganda is often seen during wartime and during political campaigns

If you don’t do this/vote this way, then ___”bad thing”__ will happen.

By playing on the audience’s deep seeded fears, practitioners of this technique hope to redirect attention away from the merits of a particular proposal and towards steps that can be taken to reduce the fear

Fear Propaganda Quote

“The streets of our country are in turmoil. The universities are filled with students rebelling and rioting. Communists are seeking to destroy our country. Russia is threatening us with her might, and the Republic is in danger. Yes – danger from within and without. We need law and order! Without it our nation cannot survive.”

-Adolf Hitler, 1932

Fear Examples

Euphemism

Replacing an offensive word or phrase with a positive one

Some euphemism are intended to amuse, while others intend to give positive appearances to negative events or even mislead entirely

Examples: “He passed away.” vs. “He died.” OR “Are you decent?” vs. “Are you dressed enough for me to see you without causing us both embarrassment?

KEY EUPHEMISM IN THE GIVER? RELEASE