Propaganda Notes Types & Examples

#1: name calling An argument made without closely examining the evidence An argument made without closely examining the evidence Giving “bad names” to an opponent Giving “bad names” to an opponent

Example: name calling Politicians slashing other politicians Politicians slashing other politicians Coke vs. Pepsi Coke vs. Pepsi

#2: glittering generalities Using only pleasant words to describe the product or program and not looking at both sides Using only pleasant words to describe the product or program and not looking at both sides Saying only “good things” about the product Saying only “good things” about the product

Example: glittering generalities “tough on stains” “tough on stains” “brand new” “brand new” “powerful ingredient” “powerful ingredient”

#3:transfer Using symbols or images to create a connection between the product and what the propagandist wants viewers to associate with the product Using symbols or images to create a connection between the product and what the propagandist wants viewers to associate with the product Subliminal messages Subliminal messages

Example: transfer *having an attractive female= only attractive people use product *American flag=buying product makes you more American

#4: testimonial Having a person testify that a product really works (giving his or her word) Having a person testify that a product really works (giving his or her word) May sometimes use celebrities to promote an upscale product May sometimes use celebrities to promote an upscale product

Example: testimonial Reasoning: “If a celebrity uses it, it must really work”

#5: plain folks Promotes products for the everyday people Promotes products for the everyday people Tries to convey the idea that the people using the product are “just like us” (housewife, parent, etc.) Tries to convey the idea that the people using the product are “just like us” (housewife, parent, etc.)

Example: plain folks Reasoning: “Use a normal person to make the product seem useable” Reasoning: “Use a normal person to make the product seem useable”

#6: card stacking Gives only the partial truth (puts on a poker face) Gives only the partial truth (puts on a poker face) Over-emphasizes or under-emphasizes certain qualities of the product Over-emphasizes or under-emphasizes certain qualities of the product

Example: card stacking Some ads avoid: -Listing side effects -Listing other methods used to get the result -Listing unexpected payments

#7: band wagon Used to make people feel like part of the crowd Used to make people feel like part of the crowd To accept product because everyone else is doing it To accept product because everyone else is doing it

Example: bandwagon Common phrases: Common phrases: “Don’t be left out” “Don’t be left out” “Haven’t you heard..” “Haven’t you heard..” “The sensation that’s sweeping the nation” “The sensation that’s sweeping the nation” “Everyone’s talking about…” “Everyone’s talking about…”

Logical Fallacies An argument that sounds logical, but, in reality, the premises given for the conclusion do not provide proper support for the argument. An argument that sounds logical, but, in reality, the premises given for the conclusion do not provide proper support for the argument. An example: birds fly in the sky; airplanes fly in the sky; therefore, airplanes are birds. An example: birds fly in the sky; airplanes fly in the sky; therefore, airplanes are birds. Often used by those who seek to convince or misinform – including hate-mongers. Often used by those who seek to convince or misinform – including hate-mongers.

Example: Logical Fallacies Studies have conclusively proven that 83 percent of people who have died in automobile accidents last year ate ice cream within a month of their accidents. (This figure strongly suggests that eating ice cream causes automobile accidents.) Studies have conclusively proven that 83 percent of people who have died in automobile accidents last year ate ice cream within a month of their accidents. (This figure strongly suggests that eating ice cream causes automobile accidents.)

Appeal to Fear Scare Tactics Scare Tactics Fear can lead people to do things they would never otherwise consider. Fear can lead people to do things they would never otherwise consider. Few people believe that war is a good thing, for example, but most people can be convinced to support a specific war if they believe that they are fighting an enemy who is cruel, inhuman, and bent on destroying all that they hold dear. Few people believe that war is a good thing, for example, but most people can be convinced to support a specific war if they believe that they are fighting an enemy who is cruel, inhuman, and bent on destroying all that they hold dear.

Example: Fear Politicians use it when they talk about crime and claim to be advocates for law and order. Environmentalists use it when they talk about pollution-related cancer, and their opponents use fear when they claim that effective environmental regulations will destroy the economy and eliminate jobs. Politicians use it when they talk about crime and claim to be advocates for law and order. Environmentalists use it when they talk about pollution-related cancer, and their opponents use fear when they claim that effective environmental regulations will destroy the economy and eliminate jobs.