PropagandaTechniques To Be Aware Of

What is propaganda?

Communication that attempts to influence a community to agree or disagree with some cause or position

Some Famous American Propaganda Posters

Other forms of propaganda…

Radio

Newspaper articles

Ads

Movies

Movie “previews”

Institute for Propaganda AnalysisIn 1937, a group of American social

scientists, historians, journalists, and educators got together to form an organization to help the public make informed decisions.

They wanted to help Americans think for themselves, not tell them how to think

They developed a series of books and flyers

The I.P.A.’s “7 common Propaganda Devices”

These 7 techniques are said to be especially effective because they appeal to our emotions… not our reason

1. Name CallingCreates fear/anger

by portraying the opposition as very unfavorable

Creates hatred for a group, idea, person

2. Glittering Generalities Phrases that are

vague and appeal to very good, deeply-held feelingsPride, honor,

patriotism, desire for peace, family values

Can’t be proved true or false…just an overly general statement

3. Transfertechnique used to carry

over the authority and approval of something we respect and revere to something the propagandist want us to believe or accept.

Symbols like waving the flag to stir our emotions and win our approval

4. Testimonial

Using a well-known, respected figure to represent an idea

The hope is that we will follow the example that we respect

5. Plain Folks

Technique used to convince audience that spokesperson is just an “everyday Joe”. Ordinary language/mannerisms are used.

People can identify with this

The hope is that people will trust their message

6. Bandwagon“Everybody’s Doing It!”Tries to convince

people to follow the masses and jump on the bandwagon of the messageAppeals to the

emotions of wanting to be on the winning side, be part of a group, avoid loneliness in your views

7. Card StackingDisplaying only the

facts that make your side look good and the other side look bad (and ignoring anything else)

Summary of Techniques1. Name Calling2. Glittering Generalities3. Transfer4. Testimonial5. Plain Folks6. Bandwagon7. Card Stacking

All use emotional appealsExaggeration is also a technique

Worksheet Example 1

Worksheet Example 2