Transcript chinese propaganda[1]x

Propaganda
in China
What is Propaganda?
What is Propaganda?
Propaganda is usually a pejorative
term.
Propaganda is typically a label
assigned to others’ persuasion.
“Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic
attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate
cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a
response that furthers the desired intent of
the propagandist.”—Jowett &
O'Donnell, 1986, Propaganda and
Persuasion
Chinese posters deified Mao during
the Cultural Revolution.
Why?
Mao’s Influence
Aspects of propaganda can be traced back to the
earliest periods of Chinese history, but propaganda
has been most effective in the twentieth century
owing to mass media and an authoritarian
government.
China in the era of Mao Zedong is known for its
constant use of mass campaigns to legitimize the
state and the policies of leaders. It was the first
Chinese government to successfully make use of
modern mass propaganda techniques, adapting
them to the needs of a country which had a largely
Propaganda and thought work
in the Maoist era had a
number of distinctive features,
such as "ideological
remolding" or "thought
reform”…
…ideological purges…
…ritual humiliation of ideological
opponents…
…and targeting high-profile
individuals as symbols of
negative tendencies which
must be eradicated.
• Four Chinese Communist Party
officials
• Rose to power during cultural
revolution
• Mao’s wife, Jiang Qing, & 3 other
officials
• Tried after Mao’s death for treason
• Scapegoats for the turmoil in China
after Mao’s death
Gang of Four
How is propaganda different from fine art?
Art
Propaganda
Social critique to raise awareness | Conformity to social norms
Raises questions | Provides answers
Promotes free thought and divergent views | Restrains free thought and divergent views
Fringe culture and avant garde | Mass culture and status quo
2-way communication | 1-way communication
Self-expression | Mass-expression
High culture (elite) | Low culture (masses)
Feelings/ Emotions | Thoughts/Ideas
Galleries/Private Spaces | Publics Spaces/ Mass Media