Download Info Text Propaganda

Informational Text
Analyzing Propaganda
Analyzing Propaganda
Propaganda is a kind of persuasion designed to
keep us from thinking for ourselves.
Propaganda relies
on appeals to our
emotions,
rather than on
logical arguments
and reasoning.
Most propaganda consists of one-sided arguments.
Analyzing Propaganda
When an argument doesn’t seem logical, be on
the lookout for these propaganda techniques:
Bandwagon
appeals
Stereotypes
Name-calling
Testimonials
Snob appeal
Analyzing Propaganda
A bandwagon appeal urges you to do something
because everybody else is doing it.
Eight out of ten people in
your area have already
signed up for this longdistance phone service.
Time is running out, so
hurry! Everyone knows
“Everyone is doing it” what a bargain this is.
Shouldn’t you save money
is not a convincing
reason to jump on the too?
bandwagon.
Analyzing Propaganda
Where does the term bandwagon come from?
A bandwagon was a decorated wagon that carried
the band at the front of a parade.
Kids would
follow the
bandwagon
and jump on
it for a ride.
Analyzing Propaganda
A stereotype is a fixed idea about all members of
a group.
You just can’t trust politicians—
they’ll do anything to get elected.
As a group, politicians aren’t
always popular, but not all
politicians are untrustworthy.
Stereotypes lead to prejudice—judging people
based on their membership in a group.
Analyzing Propaganda
Instead of using reasons and evidence to support
an argument, name-calling uses labels to arouse
negative feelings toward someone.
Only a liberal tree-hugger would fail
to see the importance of building the
new supermall. Who needs that ratinfested park, anyway? Let’s pave it
over!
The speaker doesn’t give any
reasons. Instead, he dismisses his
opponent by calling him names.
Analyzing Propaganda
Advertisers use snob appeal when they
associate their product with wealth or glamour.
The average person thinks that
any old hair-care product will do.
But you know better. Ultra Turbo
Hair is designed for people who
insist on quality—people like you.
This ad appeals to people’s desire
to be special, but it doesn’t give
any information about the product.
Analyzing Propaganda
A testimonial is a personal recommendation from
someone. Famous people who recommend
products or candidates hope you’ll recognize and
identify with them—and their choices.
Hello. I’m not a politician, but I play
one on TV. I’m here today to urge
you to vote for Richard Richards for
governor.
Does this testimonial tell you
anything at all about the candidate?
Analyzing Propaganda
Not all propaganda is bad or tries to fool you.
A doctor might use
emotional appeals to
discourage kids from
smoking.
An ad campaign might
try to scare you into
using your seatbelt.
Analyzing Propaganda
1
Identify the type of propaganda used in each of
the following appeals:
1. Women with the finest fashion
sense wear Stirrup Earrings.
2. Don’t be left out in the cold. Order
the vest worn by ninety percent of
all ski instructors—the SupraDown
hooded vest.
bandwagon
appeal
stereotyping
name-calling
snob appeal
testimonial
Analyzing Propaganda
1
Identify the type of propaganda used in each of
the following appeals:
3. The people who want to build the
new mall are businessmen. All
businessmen are selfish and care
only about making money.
4. Hi. I’m Dan Nulty, the Olympic
gold medalist. I invest all my
money with Dansforth Funds. I
suggest you go with a winner too!
bandwagon
appeal
stereotyping
name-calling
snob appeal
testimonial
Analyzing Propaganda
1
Identify the type of propaganda used in each of
the following appeals:
5. Don’t hire Oliver. He’s a lazy
whiner.
6. Senator Axman is a bleeding-heart
liberal and a hypocrite. Vote for
Mary Michaels.
7. Come to the protest. Almost
everyone will be cutting classes
tomorrow to join the march.
bandwagon
appeal
stereotyping
name-calling
snob appeal
testimonial
Analyzing Propaganda
2
With a partner, make up
one example of each type
of propaganda. Then,
read the example to the
class, and see if they can
identify the kind of
propaganda you’ve used.
1. bandwagon appeal
2. stereotype
3. name-calling
4. snob appeal
5. testimonial
Analyzing Propaganda
3
Advertisers try to get you to buy their products by using
pictures, words, and music. Look for ads in magazines
and on the radio and TV that appeal to your emotions.
Try to find ads that use some of the techniques that you
have discussed.
Also look for “good propaganda”—ads that urge you to
do something positive, such as make a donation to
charity.
Bring your ads to class, and discuss the propaganda
techniques used.
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Analyzing Propaganda
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