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PROPAGANDA AMERICAN STYLE ~ Puddy Dunne 2008

(1974) During my senior year in high school in West Palm Beach, Florida we were presented inSocial Studies classes with a mandated curriculum entitled Americanism vs Communism.Teachers were required to sign a loyalty oath to teach this class when it was first instituted in1961.

I believe this was unique to Florida for the fact that Cuba represented such a Cold War threat andthe Castro regime was so frightening to Americans that they feared students might be subvertedby Castro loyalists in the Cuban community. Not to mention the fact that ninety miles away,Russian weapons of mass destruction lay.

Even at seventeen and missing the draft for Vietnam by a year, I was subjected to this lesson inpropaganda delivered as propaganda. If you did not get this data through another curriculum, Iwill outline it.

Americanism vs Communism

I. Americanism

a. good

II. Communisma. bad

Part of the brainwashing was the section specifically covering the seven main propagandatechniques identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis. Please allow me to refresh you onthese insidious tactics plus additional techniques refined by America's Media Complex.

1. Assertion: 

Assertion is commonly used in advertising and modern propaganda. An assertion is anenthusiastic or energetic statement presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true. They

often imply that the statement requires no explanation or back up, but that it should merely beaccepted without question. Examples of assertion;

The assertion that Saddam Hussein had WMD and the invasion of Iraq was an enthusiastic"thumbs up" or "Slam Dunk" or "Mission Accomplished" 

The assertion that we [America] will be heralded as liberators in Iraq

2. Bandwagon:

Bandwagon is an appeal to the subject to follow the crowd, to join in because others are doing soas well. Bandwagon propaganda is, essentially, trying to convince the subject that one side is the

winning side, because more people have joined it. The subject is meant to believe that since somany people have joined, that victory is inevitable and defeat impossible. Since the averageperson always wants to be on the winning side, he or she is compelled to join in. However, inmodern propaganda, bandwagon has taken a new twist. The subject is to be convinced by thepropaganda that since everyone else is doing it, they will be left out if they do not. The term

 jumping on the bandwagon may have been attributed to PT Barnum who was attributed as saying"There's a sucker born every minute."  Examples of bandwagon;

 Examples in slogan;

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 Be Part of the Action.- US Coast Guard 

We're Looking for a Few Good Men- Marine Corps

 Example in actions:

H.J.Res. 114; Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

Though, this is a common technique, it has morphed to another variation. This would be hidingamong the crowd as to not stand out for criticism.

3. Card stacking:

Card stacking, or selective omission, is one of the seven techniques identified by the IPA, or Institute for Propaganda Analysis. It involves only presenting information that is positive to anidea or proposal and omitting information contrary to it. Card stacking is used in almost all formsof propaganda, and is extremely effective in convincing the public. Although the majority of information presented by the card stacking approach is true, it is dangerous because it omits

important information. The best way to deal with card stacking is to get more information.Example of card stacking; Kucinich Articles of Impeachment (crimes of G. W. Bush)

Creating a Secret Propaganda Campaign to Manufacture a False Case for War Against Iraq.

 Falsely, Systematically, and with Criminal Intent Conflating the Attacks of September 11, 2001, With

Misrepresentation of Iraq as a Security Threat as Part of Fraudulent Justification for a War of 

 Aggression.

Misleading the American People and Members of Congress to Believe Iraq Possessed Weapons of 

Mass Destruction, to Manufacture a False Case for War.

Misleading the American People and Members of Congress to Believe Iraq Posed an Imminent Threat 

to the United States.

 Illegally Misspending Funds to Secretly Begin a War of Aggression.

 Invading Iraq in Violation of the Requirements of HJRes114.

 Invading Iraq Absent a Declaration of War.

 Invading Iraq, A Sovereign Nation, in Violation of the UN Charter.

 Failing to Provide Troops With Body Armor and Vehicle Armor 

 Falsifying Accounts of US Troop Deaths and Injuries for Political Purposes

 Establishment of Permanent U.S. Military Bases in Iraq

 Initiating a War Against Iraq for Control of That Nation's Natural Resources

Here, important information is intentionally omitted to further enhance the argument for impeachment. Kucinich failed to include that the President may not have been legally electedwhich would render the argument for impeachment moot. Though this is somewhat tongue incheek, it does have some legal merit. Kucinich also lists articles that may have no basis for criminal prosecution but adds them for additional negative generalities.

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Suddam Hussein was anti-American, a threat to Democracy and a fascist dictator prior toinvasion. Bush called Iraq one component of the axis of evil (Iran, N. Korea and Iraq) Thisconnection brought together the audience who were prejudiced against, China, Korea, Vietnamand Asia in general from previous wars, likely attracting military veterans and families. Whenappealing to old enemies and new, Bush was able to create not only the need to invade Iraq butset the stage for Iranian concerns as well. As we saw after his disputed re-election in 2004 hefocused much attention to Iran as a secondary consideration for invasion. By tying them together,he created more support had he not connected them to the Axis of Evil. This was very effectiveuse of the name calling technique.

Simplified name calling; evil, corrupt, liar, ignorant, failure, criminal, killer 

Used frequently and effectively in repetition during speeches or conversations. Reinforcement byrepetition is used often in advertising. 

7. Pinpointing the Enemy:

Pinpointing the enemy is used extremely often during wartime, and also in political campaignsand debates. This is an attempt to simplify a complex situation by presenting one specific group

or person as the enemy. Although there may be other factors involved the subject is urged tosimply view the situation in terms of clear-cut right and wrong. When coming in contact with thistechnique, the subject should attempt to consider all argument and determine who is the enemyby action. As with almost all propaganda techniques, the subject should attempt to find moreinformation on the topic if possible. An informed person is much less susceptible to this sort of propaganda. Wag the Dog scenarios or False Flag operations could make this difficult to discern.Examples;

Those who would harm America

 Islamic extremists

Example one indicates a large group of individuals. For example China imports have hurt andkilled people. OPEC has reduced oil production. The Wall street firms have mismanaged our money and the list goes on. This puts us at odds with a large portion of the world. This is a similar example of a generality.

Example two does not define the enemy. Islam is widely practiced as a religion of submission toGod and of peaceful ideology. Extremists include bleeding heart liberals and Neo-Conservatives.Our enemy may be Islamic radical terrorists bent on violence to achieve their objectives but itcertainly can't include the membership of Islamic fundamentalists.

8. Plain Folks:

The plain folks propaganda technique was another of the seven main techniques identified by the

IPA, or Institute for Propaganda Analysis. The plain folks device is an attempt by thepropagandist to convince the public that his views reflect those of the common person and thatthey are also working for the benefit of the common person. The propagandist will often attemptto use the accent of a specific audience as well as using specific idioms or jokes. Also, thepropagandist, especially during speeches, may attempt to increase the illusion through imperfectpronunciation, stuttering, and a more limited vocabulary. Errors such as these help add to theimpression of sincerity and spontaneity. This technique is usually most effective when used withglittering generalities, in an attempt to convince the public that the propagandist views abouthighly valued ideas are similar to their own and therefore more valid. When confronted by this

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type of propaganda, the subject should consider the proposals and ideas separately from thepersonality of the presenter. Example; Joe (the plumber)

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher - McCain campaign

The problem here lies with the fact that Wurzelbacher  was represented as the average man who

was concerned about the tax increases under then, Sen. Obama's plan that would increase hisliability tax for earnings over $250,000.00 a year. That would indicate Mr. Wurtzelbacher not to bethe average Joe, as the average US income per capita is around $37,000.00. Sen. McCain'scampaign who tried to use this plain folk technique with the aid of Mr. Wurtzelbacher, who wouldlater become disenfranchised with the McCain campaign and also caused the Senator someembarrassment. Most candidates use the specific names of plain folks who in speaking onspecific issues have raised concerns that many Americans share. If Betty Carter is out of workand single mom she represents a segment of America that is challenged to meet financialresponsibilities. This personalizes the candidates to each member of this group and gives thevoter a feeling that this person feels their pain, even though the candidate may be consideredelite, have considerable wealth and have no knowledge of the day to day life of these people.

 Example: President Clinton goes to McDonalds and orders fries while campaigning 

demonstrating his common folk addiction to junk food. He is not aware that people haveto eat the dollar menu food in order to stay within their budgets.

Misfires: G.H.W. Bush visits a Penny's department score to buy socks but has to be told how to handle the transaction, likely due to the fact his wardrobe has been selected or 

made to order by private fittings.

G.W. Bush claims that "I know how hard it is to put food on your family,". Here we see

another example of being so out of touch that you cannot even phrase it correctly. He possibly had to be rehearsed to understand the concept of this well known phrase to "put 

 food on the family table" 

As generous Americans we also cannot fathom the lifestyle of the average Joe in Darfur or Somalia. The use of plain folks propaganda is necessary in today's politics since the perceptionof wealthy elitism controlling the branches of government.

9. Simplification (Stereotyping):

Simplification is extremely similar to pinpointing the enemy, in that it often reduces a complexsituation to a clear-cut choice involving good and evil. This technique is often useful in swayinguneducated audiences. When faced with simplification, it is often useful to examine other factorsand pieces of the proposal or idea, and, as with all other forms of propaganda, it is essential toget more information. Examples;

 Barack Hussein Obama II 

Obama II was born to Christian mother, Ann Dunham and an atheist father Barack Obama Sr. yetdue to his namesake or given middle name he has labeled as a Muslim. This type of simplificationis often used as a groups, races or religions. Once again 'Islamic terrorists' to the uneducatedpublic indicates that Islam represents terror. When the Irish Republican Army was involved interror activities, they were not being identified in MSM as Irish terrorists or Catholic extremists.

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Suddam Hussein and the invasion of Iraq often compared to the need to invade Germanyand occupied France.

This comparison appeals to our sense of honor, duty, patriotism and neglectsthe fact that at the time of invasion Hussein had not attacked another sovereign country nor invaded their borders but the comparison brings the audience into the emotional and moral side

of the statement often foregoing any intelligent critique.

10. Testimonials:

Testimonials are another of the seven main forms of propaganda identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis. Testimonials are quotations or endorsements, in or out of context, whichattempt to connect a famous or respectable person with a product or item. Testimonials are veryclosely connected to the transfer technique, in that an attempt is made to connect an agreeableperson to another item. Testimonials are often used in advertising and political campaigns. Whencoming across testimonials, the subject should consider the merits of the item or proposalindependently of the person of organization giving the testimonial. Persuasion by celebrity is oneof the most commonly used propaganda [testimonial] in Main Stream Media (MSM) For example,Fox News uses several including; testimonial, transfer, pinpointing the enemy, card stacking and

glittering generalities. Then they present it with attractive females, pseudo-intellectuals andunleash it on the uneducated simplistic audience. When MSM generously invites contrary or alternate opinion in a debate forum it usually involves name-calling consisting of stereotyping or comparative association. Examples;

A visually attractive female pundit delivers an opinion or assessment on a MSM broadcast. Shedelivers an expressly conservative and hawkish view or solution to a military or defensivestrategy. In the opinion she renders words such as "weak, cowardly, failure, defend and protect"in her assessment. This is directed at the male population who personalizes these adjectives andreacts subconsciously to this subtle personal attack of their manliness, pulling these viewerstowards her femininity sexually and or questioning their masculinity or alpha male tendencies.

During a broadcast, an actor celebrity presents himself as a 911 conspiracist. Though the viewer 

has not investigated or rationalized the theory, they accept it based on their emotional attractionor critique of the actors ability in his or her profession. In commercial advertisements "I'm not adoctor, but I play one on TV" is followed by product endorsement for a pharmaceutical product tothe viewers. In this case the actor states before hand he is not medically trained. If Charlie Sheenhad said he was not on the 911 commission, an engineer, scientist, explosive expert or eyewitness beforehand, would it have diminished his argument? Most certainly so.

11. Transfer:

Transfer is another of the seven main propaganda terms first used by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in 1938. Transfer is often used in politics and during wartime. It is anattempt to make the subject view a certain item in the same way as they view another item, to link

the two in the subjects mind. Although this technique is often used to transfer negative feelingsfor one object to another, it can also be used in positive ways. By linking an item to something thesubject respects or enjoys, positive feelings can be generated for it. However, in politics, transfer is most often used to transfer blame or bad feelings from one politician to another of his friends or party members, or even to the party itself. When confronted with propaganda using the transfer technique, we should question the merits or problems of the proposal or idea independently of convictions about other objects or proposals. Examples; Comparing your opponent to AdolphHitler or a group to Al Qaeda alt. Comparisons of a candidate to President Ronald Reagan or John F. Kennedy

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MAIN STREAM MEDIA has refined these techniques to include others that tend to leave thepublic confused, in chaos, uninformed and subdued.

Ad nauseam - repetition so consistent to the point we accept it without thought "CNN - The

best political team on television" 

Authority - The introduction of curriculum vitae so impressive we assume authority regardlessof accuracy, motives and intent of the authority e.g. "Commenting on the Israeli Gaza situationwe have Dr. Jones, Professor of Linguistics at MIT" 

Scapegoating - The introduction of face saving lie or villain explain a failure of the authority or action in question. e.g.. Saddam Hussein and 911.

Misinformation - The introduction of forged information, falsehoods and omissions of factsthe authority is trying to discredit. e.g. Nigerian Yellowcake Uranium and Saddam Hussein's

WMD intelligence and the subsequent memos that stated it was unreliable intelligence or 

 forgeries

Half Truth (context, misquote) - Manipulating quotes or statement that may contain some truthor by omitting portions, punctuations etc. the content is intended to deceive the public.

"Israeli officials ordered blockades of humanitarian aid to the West Bank" 

"Israeli officials ordered blockades of humanitarian aid to the West Bank until they could assure

there were no weapons moving through to that region" 

This material may seem academic to many, but a refresher in these techniques when looking atthe broadcasting, publishing and internet sources we access regularly, clearly identifies the use of 

these tools in unrestrained and common practice. My family watched Walter Cronkite until hisretirement in 1980. Whether he was or was not deservedly the most trusted man in America andwhether the news that was fit to report came from his CBS nightly reports one thing is for sure.Most of the anchors today are not fit to report the news, most of the news is not fit to print and inthe words of Cronkite himself. "I think we've got a bunch of thugs here, Dan." 

sources: library.thinkquest.org.