Types of Propaganda

Learning Goal: Learning Goal: The student will understand how citizen participation influences government and political parties, and be able to simulate the election process.  Target:  Target: Evaluate how bias, symbolism, and propaganda can impact public opinion

Propaganda  Techniques used by the media to influence opinions, emotions, attitudes or behavior.  The purpose is to benefit the sponsor (i.e. the USA, political candidates, etc.)  It appeals to the emotions not the intellect.  It can be negative or positive.  The purpose is to persuade.

Characteristics of Propaganda  Bias-  Bias- prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.  Symbolism-  Symbolism- the use of symbols to represent ideas  Watchdog Role-  Watchdog Role- A political watchdog makes sure that political parties are held accountable for what they say and do. Watchdogs fact check claims made by political parties and expose any claims that are untrue (LIES! )

Recognizing Propaganda Techniques  Bandwagon  Testimonial  Plain Folks  Card Stacking  Name-Calling  Transfer  Glittering Generality

Bandwagon  persuasive technique that invites you to join the crowd.  Everybody’s doing it!  Often uses weasel words Everyone in Auburn is supporting Bob Riley. Shouldn’t you be part of the winning team?

Testimonial  Statement endorsing an idea/candidate by a prominent person.  Product does not have to be related to “star’s” field.  Commonly uses musical artists, sports giants, actors/actresses

Plain Folks  Identifies product/idea with a locality or country  Practical product for ordinary people.

Card Stacking  Strategy of showing the political candidate’s best features.  Telling half-truths and emitting or lying about it's potential problems.

Name - Calling  A way of smearing an opponent  Intent is to damage opponent  It also arouses suspicion of opponent  Intention is to create a seed of doubt  Used by politicians and product companies

Transfer  Uses your feelings about one thing to get you to feel the same way about something else.  Can use a positive image to persuade you to like something or a negative image to persuade you to dislike something.  However they are presented, the images act as wordless messages that most people can identify with.

Glittering Generalities  Always shows the subject of the message in a positive light, but provides little or no information.  Glittering generalities use simple, clever slogans that appeal to peoples’ emotions.  These general statements are easy to remember but hard to verify because they offer no facts.