PROPAGANDA (9.3) A deliberate attempt to persuade a person to accept a point of view or take a certain action; a goal to create a particular belief.

Interest groups exist to influence public policies. Why? For their benefit and the benefit of their members.

Mass Media Encourages use of propaganda Seven techniques

Name Calling Unpleasant names Sometimes false Ex. –Crook –Liberal –Un-American –Foolish –Terrorist’s friend

Plain Folks Appear to be “one of the folks” Ex. –Kissing babies –Wearing plain clothes –Pictures at home with family

Transference Associate candidate with respected symbol or product Ex. –Patriotic symbols –Like Lincoln –War veteran

Testimonials/Endorsements Well-known person expresses their support for a candidate or product Ex. –Oprah Winfrey for Obama –Joe the Plumber for McCain

Card-Stacking Telling only one side of a story Ex. –List only positive achievements –Listing unwise policies of opponent

Bandwagon “Everyone’s doing it” approach –EX. Candidate refers to self as frontrunner Lists all who support

Glittering Generalities Using words that sound good, but don’t say much, catchy slogans –Ex. Vets for Chet Proven performance Freedom, equality, qualified, ethical “Change” Putting People First

Political ads dale The bear