In general propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.More specifically, propaganda is a specific type of message presentation, aimed at serving an agenda.The book Propaganda And Persuasion defines propaganda as "the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist."
Business uses propaganda all the time, in an attempt to persuade the consumer to buy their product. Politicians use propaganda all the time in an attempt tp present themselves as the best option while at the same time attempting to destroy their opponents propaganda as being based upon falsehoods, wrong ideas, or pie in the sky wishful and unobtainable thinking. But there's another type of propaganda more hideous, more sinister and more concerning. This type of propaganda is based upon lies false or misleading information that supports a political cause or the interests of those in power.
Techniques of Propaganda
A number of techniques are used to create messages which are persuasive, but false.
Glittering generalities: Glittering generalities are intensely emotionally appealing words so closely associated with highly valued concepts and beliefs that they carry conviction without supporting information or reason. They appeal to such emotions as love of country, home; desire for peace, freedom, glory, honor, etc. They ask for approval without examination of the reason. Though the words and phrases are vague and suggest different things to different people, their connotation is always favorable: "The concepts and programs of the propagandist are always good, desirable, virtuous."
Appeal to authority: Appeals to authority cite prominent figures to support a position idea, argument, or course of action. Ever read an editorial that makes you squirm because the message doesn't sit well with you? And you'd like to write a letter to the editor except for one small thing-the journalist has based his/her assertions from and interview or reading of an authority.Buyer or should I say, reader beware!
Testimonial: Testimonials are quotations, in or out of context, especially cited to support or reject a given policy, action, program, or personality. The reputation or the role (expert, respected public figure, etc.) of the individual giving the statement is exploited. The testimonial places the official sanction of a respected person or authority on a propaganda message. This is done in an effort to cause the target audience to identify itself with the authority or to accept the authority's opinions and beliefs as its own.
Bandwagon: Bandwagon-and-inevitable-victory appeals attempt to persuade the target audience to take a course of action "everyone else is taking." "Join the crowd." This technique reinforces people's natural desire to be on the winning side. So does this apply to the large membership of left wing culture who want to boycott Israel, support national apartheid week, but are seemingly unaware of human rights abuses in many other parts of the world?
Transfer: This is a technique of projecting positive or negative qualities (praise or blame) of a person, entity, object, or value (an individual, group, organization, nation, patriotism, etc.) to another in order to make the second more acceptable or to discredit it. This technique is generally used to transfer blame from one member of a conflict to another. It evokes an emotional response which stimulates the target to identify with recognized authorities.
Stereotyping or Labeling: This technique attempts to arouse prejudices in an audience by labeling the object of the propaganda campaign as something the target audience fears, hates, loathes, or finds undesirable.
Scapegoating: Assigning blame to an individual or group that isn't really responsible, thus alleviating feelings of guilt from responsible parties and/or distracting attention from the need to fix the problem for which blame is being assigned.
Oversimplification: Favorable generalities are used to provide simple answers to complex social, political, economic, or military problems.
Beware of deliberately placed lies that are repeated with the hope that people will believe it if it is repeated often enough!
