PROPAGANDA AND POLITICS The Power of Words

Walter Lippman “We must remember that in time of war what is said on the enemy’s side of the front is always propaganda and what is said on our side of the front is truth and righteousness, the cause of humanity and a crusade for peace.”  What is propaganda?  Definition: information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.  Is this quote, in itself, a form of propaganda?

Elements of Propaganda Selective stories that come across as wide-covering and objective Partial facts or historical context Reinforcing reasons and motivations to act due to threats on the security of the individual Narrow sources of ‘experts’ to provide insight in to the situation Demonizing the ‘enemy’ who does not fit the picture of what is ‘right’ Using a narrow range of discourse

The Four Levels The Four Stages The Big Lie It doesn’t have to be the truth, so long as it is plausible Tell the truth but withhold the other side’s point of view To tell the truth, good and bad – losses and gains The Crisis  Report a crisis that negotiations can’t resolve Demonize the Leader  Compare their leader to something evil (i.e. Hitler) Demonize the Individual  i.e. Suggest the enemy is insane Atrocities  Stories to strengthen emotional reactions Preparing Propaganda

Controlling Information Overload the Media  When you make the media happy, the media will not look for the rest of the story Ideological Appeals  Saturate the media with the promoted ideology Spinning Information  Make it seem like the ‘truth’ being told is the only truth Withholding Information  Only tell what has to be told – never tell the rest

Propaganda Techniques Suppression by Omission  What they don’t know can’t hurt them Destroy the Target  Discredit the other and their point of view will never matter Labeling  Negative name = Negative connotation Slighting of Content  Claim to give the big picture, but focus on a small point Framing  Package the news how it is to be seen (i.e. front page vs. hidden within)

Why Does Propaganda Work? People wish to believe the best about themselves and their country Fear-mongering, especially about the threat to cherished values such as freedom and justice Presenting fears and claims that appear logical and factual Media management and public relations is very professional

Propaganda Posters