Transcript Propaganda: It*s All Around!

Propaganda:
It’s All Around Us!
Propaganda
Definition: the spreading of
ideas, information, or rumor for
the purpose of helping or injuring
an institution, a cause, or a
person
Bandwagon
Definition: Telling the viewer to
do or buy something because
everyone else is doing so.
Examples:
“Everyone in town is voting for
candidate X”
“Join Now! Don’t be left behind!”
Science & Numbers
 Definition: Attempting to confuse or
convince the audience through
numbers, statistics or theories that the
audience can’t follow or can’t confirm
(check on their own).
 Examples:
 “Four out of five dentist surveyed chose X
product”
 This doesn’t even say whether or not there
were more than five dentists surveyed.
Fear
Definition: An appeal to the
audience’s fear or insecurity.
Examples:
“If we don’t go to war, terrorists
will attack our cities any day…”
“Protect your family from burglary
and violence, use Smith Locks”
Mudslinging
Definition: Throw “mud” (insults &
suggestions of unethical or
inappropriate behavior) at your
opponent to make him/her look
bad so you look good by
comparison.
Examples:
 “Candidate X is a liar, and a cheater!
He’s unfaithful & doesn’t have a clue!”
Glittering
Generalities
 Definition: Something that sounds
great, but is very vague and general.
It may not even make sense.
 Examples:
 i.e. “I see an America where everybody
has a job, we all live in a stable, happy
family, and we can all enjoy a beautiful
sunset breathing unpolluted air!”
 Sounds wonderful but is it realistic?
Flagwaving
Definition: An appeal to
patriotism. Often seen during
campaigns with patriotic
music in the background &
red, white, and blue balloons.
Examples:
 “I love my country!
I am willing to fight!
 “Serve your country!”
Slogans & Jingles
Definition: Short, catchy, easily
remembered & repeated
phrases.
 The phrases can be almost meaningless,
as long as they get people to remember
the product
Examples:
“Just do it”
“Yes we can!”
Nostalgia
Definition: Appeal to nice images
and stories of the past.
 This technique is effective because
we believe that in the past things
worked better, times were simpler
and everybody worked harder.
Examples:
 When I was growing we could all still believe
in the American dream.
 Back in the good ole’ days…
Shining Image
Definition: Drawing connections
to something beautiful or
pleasant.
Examples:
 Sunsets & beaches,
 beautiful people
 Flags & country pride
 Parties & romantic, etc.
Endorsement
Definition: Having a famous person
say that he or she supports a
product or idea.
 If a famous person uses a product it,
must be good.
Examples:
 If Pepsi can make Shaquille O’ Neal
great, maybe it can help me!