1. Write this.

2.  Information, esp. of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

3.  The I.P.A. or the Institute of Propaganda Analysis, was formed to increase awareness of propaganda and encourage critical thinking of citizens.  “It is essential in a democratic society that young people and adults learn how to think, learn how to make up their minds. They must learn how to think independently, and they must learn how to think together. They must come to conclusions, but at the same time they must recognize the right of other men to come to opposite conclusions. So far as individuals are concerned, the art of democracy is the art of thinking and discussing independently together.”

4.  The IPA identified 7 basic propaganda techniques:  Glittering generalities  Name-calling  Transfer  Testimonial  Plain folks  Card stacking  Band wagon

5.  Using words that mean different things to different people- words that attach a positive image to an idea or person.  Examples: patriotism, health, love, virtue  Seeks to make us approve or accept without examining the evidence.

6.  Links a person or idea to a negative symbol  Seeks to make the audience reject the person or idea because of the negative symbol instead of examining the evidence. It is the opposite of glittering generalities.  fascist, commie, terrorist, radical, etc.

7.  Using a symbol to transfer our acceptance of an institution (like church) to what he/she wants us to accept.  Someone might wear a cross or say a prayer at the end of a political speech to transfer our acceptance of the church to the acceptance of that person.  Nazi Germany tried to rationalize racism by appealing to science and religion.

8.  Someone showing his/her support or rejection of an idea, in hopes you will accept the product/idea solely because of that persons association with it  Tiger Woods on a Wheaties box, or Cher expressing her political support in a campaign, Miley Cyrus using thespecific lip balm.  When a testimonial is by an admired celebrity, we are less likely to be critical.

9.  Speakers attempt to convince their audience that they, and their ideas, are “of the people”.  See this in advertisement and politicians alike  All of our recent presidents have been millionaires, but they have gone to great lengths to portray themselves as ordinary citizens.

10.  “selective omission”  It involves only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omitting information contrary to it.  Although the facts presented may be true, it leaves out important information.

11.  The propagandists appeals to our desire to follow the crowd.  He wants this to happen in masses, so he gathers large groups, appeals to people with similar interests (nationality, race, religion), and gets them to act together.  “Everyone else is doing it, and so should you.”