Propaganda

PropagandaMessages aimed at influencing the opinions

or behaviors of large numbers of people.

Often presents facts selectively .

Gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional response.

Types of PropagandaPropaganda can be seen in public information

campaigns by governments, which are intended to encourage or discourage certain forms of behavior (such as wearing seat belts, not smoking, not littering and so forth).

Propaganda can take the form of pamphlets, posters, radio, TV shows, etc.

Propaganda is a powerful weapon in war; it is used to dehumanize and create hatred toward an “enemy”. This can be done by using hateful or racist terms or by blaming society’s problems on certain groups of people.

Propaganda TechniquesAd hominem: attacking your opponent, as

opposed to attacking their arguments.

Ad nauseam: Using repetition of an idea or a simple slogan; if it is repeated enough times, it may be taken as the truth. Ex: “Napoleon is always right.” (Animal Farm)

Techniques (cont’d)Appeal to authority: Using important people to

support a position, idea, argument, or course of action.

Appeal to fear: seeks to build support by creating fear and panic in the general population. Ex: “Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our

duty [to eat the apples]? Jones would come back!” (AF)

Techniques (cont’d)Appeal to prejudice: Making people think that

believing a certain idea (or action) is morally “good” and not believing (or doing) it is morally “bad.”

Techniques (cont’d)Bandwagon: persuading people to join in and take the course of action that "everyone else is taking”

Black-and-white fallacy: Presenting only two choices, with one idea being highlighted as the better choice. “You are either with us, or you are with the enemy”

Techniques (cont’d)Beautiful people: uses famous or attractive, happy people. This makes other people think that if they buy a product, they too will be beautiful, happy, or successful.

Big Lie: Descriptions of events that have elements of truth, but twist the “big picture.” Eventually, this story replaces the real story.

Techniques (cont’d)Demonizing the enemy: Making individuals from

another nation, ethnic group, or those who support another viewpoint appear to be subhuman, worthless, or immoral (false accusations and stereotyping)

<VS>

Techniques (cont’d)Direct Order: simplifies the decision-making process

by using images and words to tell the audience exactly what to do. Ex: “Vote for me!” or “Just do it!”

Euphoria: the use of an event that generates happiness or boosts morale.

Techniques (cont’d)Half-truth: deceptive statement which includes

only some elements of truth.

Ex: “The lone victor, bathed in riches, would serve as a reminder of our generosity and our forgiveness.” 

Techniques (cont’d)Reductio ad Hitlerum: used to persuade

people to disapprove of an action/idea by suggesting that the idea is only popular with hated or feared groups of people.

Techniques (cont’d)Euphemism: use of “politically correct” terms

as a means of softening an idea or claim. (e.g. instead of “He died,” use “He passed away.”)

Technique (cont’d)Scapegoating: Blaming an individual or group

for society’s problems.

Slogans: A simple, brief, and striking phrase that may include labeling and stereotyping. Ex: “For the people”

Techniques (cont’d)Doublespeak: any language deliberately

constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often by using euphemism or unclear statements. (Saying “It’s not you, it’s me” instead of saying “I don’t like you anymore”)

Name that Technique!The next few slides will have examples of

propaganda.

Identify the technique of propaganda being used.

PADEMPurposeAudienceDesignEmotion/MoodMessage

Name that technique!

Name that Technique!

“If you don’t want the old yoke back, join the ranks of the Communists.”

Name that Technique!

Glory to Stalin – the Great Architect of Communism!

For the Socialist motherland, for the happy life, votes (having full rights) the Soviet woman!

Name that Technique!

Name that technique!

Name that technique!

Name that technique!

“Comrade Lenin cleans the Earth of scum”

November 1920

Name that Technique!

Name that technique!

Name that technique!