Propaganda

Propaganda

Presenting information to influence the thinking or action of others is called propaganda.

Can you recognize the different types of propaganda?

The Band Wagon This is the “everyone is doing it” technique

that gives the impression that everyone supports a certain idea.

Look for words like “journey,” “battle,” “movement” and “march,” or “mandate for change.”

“Join the crowd.”“Don’t be left

out.”

Glittering Generalities This device requires

“virtue words” that describe ideals that no one could argue against.

These contain vague, general ideas like prosperity, family values and “protect our rights.”

This strategy is also often referred to as “motherhood and apple pie.”

Does not say how it will be achieved or what action will be taken.

Testimonial or Endorsements

This is when a famous person (athletes, entertainers, politicians, or celebrities) accept a belief or supports a candidate and give you the feeling that you should too.

Watch my new

show and

vote for my brother.

This is crucial in political propaganda as the supporter of a candidate or cause must persuade the audience that the chosen one, no matter how wealthy, is a man of the people, a loving mother, or the kind of person you would want to share a cup of coffee with.

Look for homey words like “town,” “village,” “farm,” “diner,” “bar,” “train,” “folks,” “coal mine,” or “kitchen table.”

Plain Folks

My father built

this cabin.

I worked to pay my own

college tuition.

Bad names are the most prolific forms of propaganda, especially when you are trying to diminish an opponent as "liberal" or "most liberal" or "ultra-conservative" or "extremist" or "hypocritical.“

Uses negative phrases or names to refer to the competition.

Name Calling

Coward

Radical

WeakTerrorist

Used both for and against causes.

This strategy transfers the authority or status of one person or institution onto another.

Can use religion or patriotism to make you feel good about an idea or a certain candidate.

Transfer/Symbols

Used in making people think something bad will happen if they don’t support an issue or if they vote for a certain candidate.

Fear