1. Journal Topic: Senate Endorsement
Task: Read the article, “In US Senate race, Patty Murray gives us clout,” and describe whether this is an objective endorsement based on what you know of the two candidates.

2. Journal Topic: Qualities of a Good Argument and Propaganda
1. Describe the characteristics/qualities of a good argument.
2. Why is it important to study propaganda today?

3. Cornell Notes Unit: Political Process Topic: Propaganda Techniques
Guiding Question: How is propaganda used to influence people?

4. Propaganda: Techniques of persuasion used to influence individual or group behavior.

5. Glittering Generalities—Broad and vague statements:
How does a glittering generality work?: Attempt to get people to approve and accept something without examining the evidence.
Examples:
“In the interest of peace and prosperity you must support this 5 point economic plan.”
“For a better way, Bill McKay.”
(Euphemisms are often employed when using the glittering generality approach.)
Euphemism: Mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
Examples: Peacekeeper Missile (Long Range Nuclear Missile), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Shell Shock, Combat Fatigue), Collateral Damage (Civilian Casualties).
Morning Again in America Ad Campaign

6. Name Calling—Do not discuss facts; just give the opposition a bad name.
How does the name calling technique work?
Make us form a judgment to reject and condemn someone or something without examining the evidence.
Examples: Un-American, Socialist, Communist, Fascist, Radical, Extremist…
Liar Liar Pants on Fire

7. Transfer—Use symbols to accomplish purposes for which they were not intended.
How does the transfer technique work? Propagandist tries to get the audience to associate characteristics or authority of a symbol or image with an idea or product.
Examples: Uncle Sam, The Flag, Religious Symbols, etc….
Like a Rock

8. Testimonial—Endorsement by a celebrity or expert: “Mr
Testimonial—Endorsement by a celebrity or expert: “Mr. Big says, Vote for X, he’s my choice.”
How does testimonial work?
People often support a cause or buy a product because someone popular or with perceived credibility provides an endorsement or support. (Not all testimonial is bad.)
Example: Britney Spears telling people to buy Pepsi
Al Pacino Testimonial Example

9. Bandwagon—Get the audience to follow the crowd, be with the majority:
How it Works? People by nature want approval and to be part of the group, especially the winning group. Strength in numbers so to speak.
Example: “A is voting for X, so are B and C. Why not you too.”
T-Mobile Bandwagon Ad

10. Card Stacking—Present only one side of an issue through the distortion and juggling of facts or data:
How it works? By only presenting one set of data the audience is not given the opportunity to evaluate the other side. When data is used some people often automatically assume the point or argument is sound or more credible.
Example—See video clip: Card Stacking Video Clip

11. Plain Folks— Get people to think the product or idea is something everyone likes or agrees with.
How it works? By nature most people do not like to challenge the mass. People want to be accepted. Most people consider themselves to be everyday ordinary Americans and often act accordingly.
Example: When a politician pretends to be one of the common people: “I am the worker’s friend.”
Mitt Romney Plain Folks Presidential Campaign Ad

13. Propaganda Analysis Activity
Task: For each of the eight ads, indicate the types of propaganda used and explain how it is used.
Note: You will find examples of each of the types of propaganda. Most advertisements employ more than one type of propaganda.