1. Assertion and Bandwagon
Propaganda
Assertion and Bandwagon

2. Propaganda comes in many forms, but it always has the following characteristics:
persuasive function
sizeable target audience
representation of a specific group’s agenda
use of faulty reasoning and/or emotional appeals

3. Part 1: Assertion
Assertion is the simplest form of propaganda. It consists of simply stating a debatable idea as a fact, with no explanation or justification.
The Middle East will never be at peace.
A record number of hurricanes have been caused by global warming this year.

4. Assertion
Assertion relies on the premise that people are essentially gullible and like to believe what they are told.
Women are bad drivers.
Men never stop to ask for directions.

5. Assertion is sometimes used in political or military propaganda, as in this illustration from World War I.

6. Assertion
Unfounded assertions are also common in commercial advertising.
Fulmer’s Glue: making life better since 1926
Dogs that eat Nutri-Chow have more energy.

7. Assertion
Think about how many advertisements include phrases like the following, without any justification:
the best product available
the most popular brand
with a taste that will never let you down

8. George Orwell’s fictional study of propaganda and mind control, 1984, contains an example of the assertion technique. In the novel, the following three slogans of “the Party” are emblazoned on the walls of the Ministry of Truth building:
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

9. Propaganda that uses assertions often suggests a course of action.

10. Often, an assertion will be supported by “facts” that are not necessarily true.
This level of assertion is sometimes used to mislead people in a way that is potentially harmful.
The scientific evidence, taken as a whole, is insufficient to establish that other people’s tobacco smoke is a cause of any disease.
— Imperial Tobacco Group

11. Discussion - assertion
Identify which of the following assertions qualify as propaganda, and explain your answer. Modify those that are not propaganda to make them fit the four criteria.
Parent to child: “If you eat your vegetables, you’ll grow up to be big and strong.”
Billboard: “Mario’s Pizza, Next Exit.”
Magazine ad for “age-defying” makeup: “True Beauty is Ageless.”

12. Identify which of the following assertions qualify as propaganda, and explain your answer. Modify those that are not propaganda to make them fit the four criteria.
D. Commercial: “According to a study by the National Heart Association, eating this cereal, as part of a balanced breakfast, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
E. Political commentator: “Richard Williams obviously doesn’t have the experience it takes to be President of the United States.”

13. Identify the audience and purpose for this poster, and discuss whether this is an example of assertion propaganda.

14. Part 2: Bandwagon
People generally like to feel that they belong to a group, especially one that appears to be successful and popular. The bandwagon technique manipulates people by appealing to this desire.
Origin

15. Bandwagon Five million members and growing!
Thousands of satisfied customers can’t be wrong.
“Everybody’s doing it!”

16. The Jackson campaign has the popularity it takes to win the election.
Bandwagon
Everyone knows that the Grand Canyon is the most beautiful place in North America.
More and more couples are living together without being married, so it must be all right.
The Jackson campaign has the popularity it takes to win the election.
Choose the top-selling truck in its class.

17. Bandwagon

18. Bandwagon
Most scientists believe global warming is a result of human activity.
Experts agree that obesity contributes to the development of cancer.

19. Scientists agree that the sun revolves around the earth.
Bandwagon
Question what you’re given
Scientists agree that the sun revolves around the earth.
More and more doctors are recommending that their patients smoke cigarettes.

20. Identify the audience and purpose for this poster, and discuss whether this is an example of bandwagon propaganda.