7 Types of Political Propaganda

What is propaganda? Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Mass media Any of the means of communication that reach very large numbers of people. Print Media Newspapers- 56M sold daily Magazines- 9% of population read at least 1 weekly Books- readers 16 and older read 6 books a year on average Electronic Media TV- 116.4M homes in US have at least 1 TV Radio- 59% of US population listens daily Internet- 49% of US population signs on daily

7 types of propaganda Bandwagon Name-Calling Transfer Testimonial Glittering Generality Just Plain Folks Stacked Cards

Bandwagon Clinton/Gore (1992) I Like Ike (1952) This technique involves encouraging people to think or act in some way simply because other people are doing so. Characteristics include: Widespread support Winning team Don’t be left behind Clinton/Gore (1992) I Like Ike (1952)

Name calling Links a person, or idea, to a negative symbol. Used in hopes that the audience will reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative symbol, instead of looking at the available evidence. Characteristics: Label the target Uses sarcasm/ridicule McCain (2008) Clinton (1996)

Transfer  Technique of projecting positive or negative qualities of a person, entity, object (usually a flag when political), or group onto another in order to make the second more acceptable or to discredit it. It evokes an emotional response. Bush (2004) Nixon (1968)

Testimonial An important person or famous figure endorses a product or person. Hilary (2016)

Glittering Generalities An emotionally appealing phrase so closely associated with highly valued concepts and beliefs that it carries conviction without supporting information or reason. Appeals to emotions such as: Obama (2008) love of country and home Reagan (1984) desire for peace, freedom, glory, and honor Ask for approval without examination of the reason.

Plain Folks The speaker presents him or herself as an average Joe — a common person who can understand and empathize with a listener's concerns. Clinton (1992) Ford (1976) Obama (2008)

Stacked Cards Seeks to manipulate audience perception of an issue by emphasizing one side and repressing another. Such emphasis may be achieved through media bias or the use of one-sided testimonials, or by simply censoring the voices of critics. Dukakis (1988) Clinton (1996)