1. Deconstructing propaganda

2. Propaganda Denotation
1. Information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.
2. The deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc.
3. The particular doctrines or principles propagated by an organization or movement.

3. What is Propaganda? Biased information
Simplifies complex issues or ideas
Created to shape public opinion and behavior
True, partially true, or blatantly false information
Plays on emotions
Symbols, images, words, or music
Advertises a cause, organization, or movement and its opponents
Directs human action toward a given goal

4. Common Propaganda Techniques
Bandwagon
Testimonial
Plain Folks
Transfer
Fear/Card Stacking
Logical Fallacies
Glittering Generalities
Name-calling

5. Bandwagon An appeal to the subject to follow the crowd
Tries to convince the subject that one side is the winning side and that winning is inevitable
Appeals to a person’s desire to be on the winning side
Appeals to “in crowd” mentality
Fear of being left out
Undesirable traits

6. Examples: Bandwagon

7. Testimonial
Quotations or endorsements which attempt to connect a well-known or respectable person with a product or ideal. The intent to better “sell” the product or ideal
Examples: Any celebrity endorsement: Weight Watchers uses Jennifer Hudson, The Kardashians for Pistachios; Jennifer Lopez for Fiat, Michael Jordan for Fruit of the Loom

8. Examples: Testimonial

9. Plain Folks
An attempt to convince the public that his or her views reflect those of the “common person”
I am “one of you” approach
The featured person tries to appear work for the benefit of the “common person”
Example: Sarah Palin is a “soccer mom”. Bush clearing brush on his ranch. Joe the Plumber was a regular guy, a prominent politician eats at McDonald’s; an actress is photographed shopping for groceries

10. Examples: Plain Folks

11. Transfer
An attempt to make the subject view a certain item in the same way as they view another item
Used to transfer negative feelings for one object to another
In politics, this technique is often used to transfer blame or bad feelings from one politician to another or from one group of people to another
Example: Mac vs. PC

12. Examples: Transfer

13. Fear/Card Stacking
Only presents information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omits information contrary to it
While the information presented is true, other important information is purposely omitted
Ads for medicine relate the benefits of the drug but fail to mention the negative or delivers them in a fast and incomprehensible fashion. Weight loss products do the same, they mention only success stories.

14. Examples: Card Stacking

15. Logical Fallacies
An argument that sounds as if it makes sense but the premises given for the conclusion do not provide proper support for the argument.
Example: Senator X wants to regulate the power industry. All Communist governments regulate their power industries. Senator X is a Communist.
If the Supreme Court does not strike down Obamacare, millions of people will go out of business.

16. Examples: Logical Fallacy

17. Glittering Generalities
Uses words that have different positive meaning for individual subjects, but are linked to highly valued concepts
Words often used as glittering generalities are democracy, patriotism, family, honor, glory, love of country, and freedom
Example: I stand for freedom: for a strong nation, unrivaled in the world. My opponent believes we must compromise on these ideals, but I believe they are our birthright, the legacy of our family.

18. Examples: Glittering Generalities

19. Name-calling
Uses derogatory language or words that carry a negative connotation when describing an enemy or foe
Attempts to arouse prejudice by labeling the target something that the public dislikes
Example: commie, fascist, yuppie, academic.
My opponent is a flip-flop man who cannot make up his mind. He changes mind with the breeze! How could anyone follow such a weak-willed flip-flopper?

20. Examples: Name Calling

21. Common Propaganda Traits
• Uses truths, half-truths, or lies
• Omits information selectively
• Simplifies complex issues or ideas
• Plays on emotions
• Advertises a cause
• Attacks opponents
• Targets desired audiences

22. Now It’s Your Turn Propaganda Project 50 Points Groups of Three
Poster, PowerPoint, or Video
Due Monday 4/30 as a presentation (use group rubric)
Know the Techniques:
Propaganda Techniques and Classifications
Bandwagon
Testimonial
Plain Folks
Transfer
Fear/Card Stacking
Logical Fallacies
Glittering Generalities
Name-calling

23. Details: The Work Working with a group of three:
Create a poster, a PowerPoint presentation, or a video that is
A combination of words and visuals (the visuals should dominate and the message should be clear) that uses one of the classifications from the list above
And several of the techniques outlined in the in-class PowerPoint (online in 4/26 homework).
Please make sure you identify the technique you are employing somewhere inconspicuous on the work.
Note: The idea is that you make this undesirable product desirable by “selling” it using one/or a combination of the classifications and techniques of propaganda.
Make me want to buy it.
You are not lying, you are manipulating, omitting, glorifying….

24. Topics So what are you advertising?
That’s the difficult part – select an item, a place, a service that no one would ever think about using. For example,
a tourism poster for Bakersfield
A print ad for rocks
Pre-popped bubble wrap
Plastic surgery for pets
Lindsay Lohan’s Academy of Celebrity Behavior
Ms Gerber’s Charm School
If your produce is currently advertised, you don’t want to select that “thing.”

25. Research
Look up your chosen technique on YouTube and see how others have employed it. The internet is full of current and past examples in a variety of media including television, print, even online advertising. 
You must provide a Works Cited in hard copy form (submitted the day of the presentation). You must have at least FIVE sources in proper form.

26. Presentation
On Monday you will present. Everyone must speak for a group total of 5 minutes.
You have today and tomorrow to work in class.
Have fun
Be creative
Embrace the process and product.