Date
Definition
Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist
Why we study Propaganda?
Although much fewer large propaganda campaigns nowadays Growth of communication tools -> Accelerated flow of message Information overload We process information quickly and carelessly
Why study Propaganda??
This makes us easier to exploit e.g. By agitating emotions, playing on insecurities. etc. Thus, important to recognise propaganda techniques
History of Propaganda
Propaganda has existed since Ancient Times e.g. Was a subject of study at University in Mauryan Empire (321 - 185BC), India Has been in existence ever since Aided by the constant improvement of technology
Classification of Propaganda
Classification of Propaganda
White
Black
Grey
Real source openly identified
Identified as being from a source, but actually from opposing source
No identifiable source, real source omitted
Classification of Propaganda
White Propaganda
Real source openly identified
But information often still distorted and slanted
Classification of Propaganda
Black Propaganda
Identified as being from a source Actually from opposing source Objective: To slander and misrepresent enermy
E.g. Black Panther Coloring Book Incident (1968)
Black Panther Coloring Book!
Black Panther Party
Political group fighting for black rights
Against racism, police brutality
Black Panther Coloring Book!
This colouring book was mass mailed across America
Black Panther Coloring Book!
Black Panther Coloring Book!
Black Panther Coloring Book!
Black Panther Coloring Book!
Actually its FBI attempt to discredit Black Panther Party By exaggerating their militant, aggressive stance Caused people to stop listening to their legitimate grievances
Classification of Propaganda
Grey Propaganda
No identifiable source. Real source omitted E.g. Radio Liberty / Free Europe
Radio Liberty / Free Europe
Broadcast during Cold War In Soviet Union and Eastern Europe
A private international, democratic communication platform
Providing objective accounts of events Actually CIA funded Anti Communitist Tool
Propaganda Techniques
Propaganda Techniques
False Connections
Special Appeals Plain Folks Bandwagon Fear
Transfer
Testimonial
Word Games
Name calling Glittering Generalities Euphemisms
Transfer
Transferring the authority of something respected to the thing being avocated
Science, Religion ---> Politics, Products
Is the link relevant?
Is the information trustworthy
Testimonial
Citing a person / source
But is this person or source qualified??
Word Games: Name Calling
To create fear and arouse prejudice by using negative words To create an unfavourable opinion against a certain target Obvious
Subtle Way
Word Games:Glittering Generalities
Employ vague sweeping statements
Using Language associated with values and beliefs ( While lacking supporting information or reason )
Special Appeals : Plain Folks
To convince the audiece that the spokesperson is from humble origins Garner audiences trust Have audiences interest at heart Ideas are of the people
Special Appeals:Bandwangons
To persuade the audience to follow the crowd Creates the impression of widespread support Convince the target audience that if they dont join in they will be left out
Special Appeals:Fear
To redirect attension away from the merits of a particular proposal and towards steps that can be taken to reduce fear Seeks to change behavior of audience 4 elements to successful fear appeal
A threat A specific recommendation on how th audience should behave
Audience perception that the recommendation will be effective in addressing threat
Audience perception that they are capable of performing the recommend behavior
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Nazi Propaganda : How did it start?
Hitlers obsessions of creating a perfect race Propaganda combined with his charismatic speeches propelled him to political stardom Propaganda focus on eliminating the undesirables and indoctrinate the society to glorify his regime
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Joseph Goebbel (Propaganda Minister)
If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.
Setup Reich Chamber of Commerce Provided radios to households but only channels speeches by Hitler Uses Generalities
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Initially, Hitler tried to court Britain into an alliance His propaganda praised the British as proficient Aryan Imperialist Later when at war with the British, they vilified them as oppressive, German hating plutocrats
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Case Studies : Germany 1930s - 1940s
Case Studies : United States
WWII
Case Studies : United States
WWII
United States originially had no interest in joining the world war until the attack on Pearl Harbour There was a need to convince population the war was close at hand Therefore the rise or Propaganda in the United States Targeted at enlisting, military bonds and increase productivity
Case Studies : United States
Uncle Sam
WWII
The use of Uncle Sam became a propaganda symbol of the American Citizens A form of Transfer Propaganda Became an icon that urges the general male public to enlist and fight for Americas Freedom
Case Studies : United States
WWII
Case Studies : United States
WWII
Lady Liberty
Another use of Transfer Propaganda
Poster refers themselves as Civilisation
Using Short and Direct Messages to communicate the ideas to the public Heavy use of Tansfer Propaganda to dictate meaning
Case Studies : United States
WWII
Name Calling
Using terms such as Mad Brute or Commi Using popular iconography to depict the enemy Showing them as monsters and evil creatures
Case Studies : United States
WWII
Case Studies : United States
WWII
Using Film to as a media of propaganda Use the enemy's own films to expose their enslaving ends Without using evidence to substantiate the footage use
Case Studies : United States
WWII
Success of Propaganda
largely due to wide array of media used to spread the same message
Use transfer to carry the symbolic meaning of the symbols to evoke emotions Portray the Evil Axis as pure evil using name calling
Case Studies : United States
IRAQ
United States need support from people and other nations to wage war in Iraq Doing so using a number of reasons
Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction Saddams regime as a treat to the USA and world peace Saddams regime had links with international terror groups The war was part of a war on international terrorism Spreading Democracy in the Middle East Helping the Iraqi people get rid of an oppressive regime
Case Studies : United States
IRAQ
Target Audience:
The Allies: Britian, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia and Turkey Americans
Case Studies : United States
IRAQ
Name Calling
Case Studies : United States
IRAQ
Case Studies : United States
IRAQ
Case Studies : United States
IRAQ
Political Censorship
Case Studies : United States
IRAQ
Outcome : Unsuccessful
Negative views shown from statistics by polls in other countries as well as the United States Claims were not back with evidence
Conclusion
