Propaganda

1. Propaganda Propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience. Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the subject (animals) to further a political agenda.

2. Assertion • an enthusiastic 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 be accepted without question. • Example: “World’s best coffee.” Any time an advertiser states that their product is the best without providing evidence for this, they are using an assertion.

3. Bandwagon • The basic idea behind the bandwagon approach is “getting on the bandwagon.” In other words, everyone is doing this, supporting this, and so should you. No one wants to be left out of what is perceived to be a popular trend. • Example: A commercial on TV shows everyone buying mustangs. It’s the new thing, so you "jump on the bandwagon" like everyone else and go out and buy a mustang.

4. Fear • The idea is to present a dreaded circumstance and usually follow it up with the kind of behavior needed to avoid that terrible event. • Example: Canada will invade and conquer the U.S. unless we build a huge wall along the entire border!

5. Name Calling • Ties or accuses a person or cause to a largely perceived negative image. • Example: Katy Perry and Ke$sha are debating on television which of them is the best pop star. Ke$sha tells everyone watching that Katy Perry is stupid and therefore cannot judge which is best.

6. Pinpointing the Enemy: • Simplifying a complex situation by presenting one specific group or person as the enemy. • Although there may be other factors involved the subject is urged to simply view the situation in terms of clear-cut right and wrong. • Example: Since the U.S. has suffered from terrorist attacks, the President is forced to declare a state of emergency in order to protect our citizens from the brutal, unprovoked aggression by the leaders of Mexico.

7. Loaded Words: • Using words with strong emotional associations. • Example: When Kraft Foods invented processed cheese in the early 1900s, traditional cheese makers wanted the new cheese be labeled "embalmed cheese." The U.S. government considered that term to be too repulsive, and required the product to be labeled "processed cheese".

8. Glittering Generalities • Language associated with positive values and beliefs deeply held by the audience (honor, glory, peace, freedom, etc.) without providing supporting information or reason. • Example: Our president asks us to do something in "defense of democracy" and most of us agree to do it. (The concept of democracy has a positive connotation to them because it is linked to a concept that they value)

9. Lesser of Two Evils • Presenting an idea as the least offensive option. • This technique is often accompanied by adding blame on an enemy country or political group. One idea or proposal is often depicted as one of the only options or paths. • Example: It’s better to be patted down by the TSA at the airport than risk a terrorist attack on a plane.