Propaganda

1. Propaganda

2. persuasive function sizeable target audience representation of a specific group’s agenda use of faulty reasoning and/or emotional appeals Propaganda comes in many forms, but it always has the following characteristics:

3. The Middle East will never be at peace. A record number of hurricanes have been caused by global warming this year. Part 1: Assertion • Assertion is the simplest form of propaganda. It consists of simply stating a debatable idea as a fact, with no explanation or justification.

4. Women are bad drivers. Men never stop to ask for directions. Assertion • Assertion relies on the premise that people are essentially gullible and like to believe what they are told.

5. Assertion is sometimes used in political or military propaganda, as in this illustration from World War I.

6. Fulmer’s Glue: making life better since 1926 Dogs that eat Nutri-Chow have more energy. Assertion Unfounded assertions are also common in commercial advertising.

7. the most popular brand the best product available with a taste that will never let you down Assertion • Think about how many advertisements include phrases like the following, without any justification:

8. WAR IS PEACE FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH • George Orwell’s fictional study of propaganda and mind control, 1984, contains an example of the assertion technique. In the novel, the following three slogans of “the Party” are emblazoned on the walls of the Ministry of Truth building:

9. Propaganda that uses assertions often suggests a course of action.

10. The scientific evidence, taken as a whole, is insufficient to establish that other people’s tobacco smoke is a cause of any disease. — Imperial Tobacco Group • Often, an assertion will be supported by “facts” that are not necessarily true. • This level of assertion is sometimes used to mislead people in a way that is potentially harmful.

11. Discussion - assertion • Identify which of the following assertions qualify as propaganda, and explain your answer. Modify those that are not propaganda to make them fit the four criteria. • Parent to child: “If you eat your vegetables, you’ll grow up to be big and strong.” • Billboard: “Mario’s Pizza, Next Exit.” • Magazine ad for “age-defying” makeup: “True Beauty is Ageless.”

12. Identify which of the following assertions qualify as propaganda, and explain your answer. Modify those that are not propaganda to make them fit the four criteria. D. Commercial: “According to a study by the National Heart Association, eating this cereal, as part of a balanced breakfast, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” E. Political commentator: “Richard Williams obviously doesn’t have the experience it takes to be President of the United States.”

13. Identify the audience and purpose for this poster, and discuss whether this is an example of assertion propaganda.

14. Part 2: Bandwagon • People generally like to feel that they belong to a group, especially one that appears to be successful and popular. The bandwagon technique manipulates people by appealing to this desire. • Origin

15. Five million members and growing! “Everybody’s doing it!” Thousands of satisfied customers can’t be wrong. Bandwagon

16. Everyone knows that the Grand Canyon is the most beautiful place in North America. More and more couples are living together without being married, so it must be all right. The Jackson campaign has the popularity it takes to win the election. Choose the top-selling truck in its class. Bandwagon

17. Bandwagon

18. Most scientists believe global warming is a result of human activity. Experts agree that obesity contributes to the development of cancer. Bandwagon

19. Scientists agree that the sun revolves around the earth. More and more doctors are recommending that their patients smoke cigarettes. Bandwagon • Question what you’re given

20. Identify the audience and purpose for this poster, and discuss whether this is an example of bandwagon propaganda.