Propaganda Animal Farm Mr. Esner Mr. Ambrose An Ambresner Production

Propaganda The use of a variety of communication techniques that create an emotional appeal to accept a particular belief or opinion, to adopt a certain behavior or to perform a particular action. Such communication would be dishonest at best, if not a flat out lie. There is some disagreement about whether all persuasive communication is propagandistic or whether the propaganda label can only be applied to dishonest messages.

Types of Propaganda

Name Calling Links a person, or idea, to a negative symbol. Obama is frequently called a “socialist,” Kerry is frequently called a “flip-flopper.”

Repetition (Anaphora) Using a word, product, or phrase repeatedly. Think about Boxer – he remembers simple, repetitive slogans.

Fear Fear propaganda will often present a dreaded circumstance and then follow it up with the behavior or necessary action needed to avoid it. Certainly Stalin and Napoleon employ this – and perhaps it is the most effective.

Plain Folks A candidate or cause is identified with common people from everyday walks of life, creating a sense of connection. Bill Clinton famously went to McDonald’s during his Presidential runs. Scott Brown campaigned in his pick-up truck.

Bandwagon Puts forth the idea that everyone is doing this, or everyone supports this person/cause, so should you. Appeals to the conformist in all of us; no one wants to be left out. Get on the bandwagon!

Testimonial A celebrity endorsement of a philosophy, movement, or candidate. Chuck Norris endorses this candidate! So should you! Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling famously endorses political candidates.

Transfer Employs the use of symbols, words, or quotes to convey a message, or known emotion, not necessarily connected with them.

Logical Fallacy Creating or using twisted logic to assert a point. Example: Bill Clinton supports gun control. Communist regimes have always supported gun control. Bill Clinton is a communist.

Glittering Generality Closely related to transfer. Generally accepted virtue is usually employed to stir up favorable emotions. Can you think of car ads or names of cars that function as “glittering generalities”?