Pesky Propaganda

How to know when you’ve fallen for the trap!

What is Propaganda?

• Propaganda is an expression of opinion or action by individuals or groups

• Deliberately designed to influence opinions or actions of other individuals or groups

• Predetermined ends.

Common Propaganda Devices

• Name Calling• Glittering Generalities• Transference• Testimonials• Plain Folks• Snob Appeal• Card Stacking• Bandwagon• Individuality

Name-Calling

• This device gives bad names to those individuals, groups, nations, races, policies, beliefs, and ideals which the propagandist would have us condemn or reject.

• Name-calling causes us to form a judgment without examining the evidence on which it should be based.

• Here, the propagandist appeals to our hate and fear.

Glittering Generalities• These words suggest shining ideals.• As name-calling seeks to make us form a judgment or

reject, Glittering Generalities seek to make us accept and approve…without examining the evidence.

• Beware of words that appeal to your senses in a positive way, thus you trust the message and what it stands for:– Freedom– Loyalty– The American Way– Generosity– Love

Transference

• This technique can be described as carrying over the authority, sanction, and prestige of something we respect and revere to something the propagandist would have us accept.

• Symbols such as the cross, the American flag, or Uncle Sam are often used in transfer ploys.

• “If the church or the U.S. approves of it , then you should too.”

Testimonials

• This devices is employed to make us accept something by securing statements or endorsements from prominent or famous people.

• The point to remember is that no person’s opinion is particularly valuable except for in that person’s field of work.

• Tiger Wood’s opinion of a golf club is worth more than his opinion of a razor blade.

Plain Folks

• The Plain Folks device is used by politicians, business, educators, and even churches to win our confidence by appearing to be common people just like ourselves.

• For example, during election time, you will see candidates doing ordinary activities like walking his dog, exercising, or playing with his children.

• They want to give the impression of being a regular guy.

Snob Appeal

• The opposite of Plain Folk.• Some propagandists want you to have the

feeling that only the best, most beautiful, or most elite people will possess or support a particular product or ideal.

• Consider ads for Mercedes or Rolex.• Gold Cards• Platinum Cards

Card Stacking

• This device is used when the propagandist only wants us to know part of the truth.

• They do not tell the whole story to sway opinion.

• For example, a car repair shop might say that their technicians have an average of 5 years experience. What they do not tell you is that they have 1 technician with 25 years experience and 4 with none.

Band Wagon

• This device is used to make us follow the crowd.

• It’s the “everybody’s doing it” so “come along and follow the crowd” ploy.

• PEER PRESSURE!

Individuality

• The opposite of Band Wagon.• Appeals to your desire to be different or

celebrate your own style.

Others• Repetition – continued use of a phrase.• Slogan – Use of a catchy phrase or jingle.• Security – Job, families, or lives will be in danger

if you don’t support -------.• Product Comparison – Compares Product A to

Product B.• Loaded Words – Using words with either positive

or negative connotations.– Flexible, courageous, hero, open-minded– Insider, old, rigid, inexperienced

Closing Thoughts

• It is okay to buy a product, support a person, or support a group.

• Just know the REAL reason why you support that product, person, or group.

• Don’t be manipulated and trapped!!

Propaganda Portfolio

• Pocket folder with brads• Cover sheet (Title, Name, Period, Due date)• 10 pages / 10 collected advertisements• Each page will include one printed example of an

advertisement that uses at least one type of propaganda.

• Each page will include a written explanation of how the propaganda device is used.

• Each page will identify the target audience.

Propaganda Portfolio

• ONE ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENT• Use a real or fictitious product, place, or

person.• Use one or more propaganda devices to

convince a target audience to “buy” your product or person.

• Include a written explanation of the propaganda device used and the target audience.

Propaganda Portfolio RubricPropaganda Portfolio Rubric Due: ____________

Requirements Comments Points Received

* Folder, * Cover Sheet, * Title, Name, Date, Period

Max 10

* 10 advertisements * Explanation of propaganda device used in ad.* Identify target audience.

Max 50

* Original advertisement of a real or fictitious product, place, or person. * Appropriate, well-developed, neat, colorful, obvious effort

Max 30

* Written statement of chosen propaganda type * Clearly stated target audience.

Max 20