Download The Propaganda Machine

The Propaganda Machine
Authoritarian systems prevalent in dystopian literature rely on a level of coercion and deception to convince the
public to blindly follow a new world order.
In fact, Hitler disturbingly said, “The great masses of the people will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a
small one.”
This project will ask you to consider the propaganda at play in your novel (either explicitly or implicitly) that work
to maintain the power structure and send deceptive messages to the masses about the nature of reality. Think about
levels of truth and untruth – how might the power structure be using persuasive messages that contradict the real
nature of the world?
Here are the parts to the project/assignment –

First, you will plan several propaganda posters (on the back) based on important problems in the novel,
each using a different propaganda technique. Start by thinking of the ways that authority figures/systems
attempt to control the public’s actions, beliefs, freedoms, choices, etc.

Next, you will choose and create your best poster with a persuasive and compelling design. You will also
write a justification for how you see this propagandistic message playing out in the novel (either implicitly or
explicitly).
Propaganda Techniques (use these to plan your poster)
 Bandwagon – The idea that everybody else is doing it, or everyone supports this person or cause, so you
should too. Bandwagon plays off the human desire to be accepted.
 Testimonial – The celebrity endorsement of a philosophy, movement, candidate, or product.
 Transfer -- The use of words or symbols that will transfer feelings about one image to the product being sold.
Types of Transfer: Patriotism, Sex Appeal, Love or Popularity, Power and Fame, Money and Wealth
 Emotional Words – Words used to make you feel strongly about someone or something
 Glittering Generalities – Uses appealing words and images to sell the product; generally accepted virtues are
used to stir up favorable emotions. Words such as democracy, family values, rights, or American are used in a positive
sense with the implicit generalization that if you buy this item, it will change your life.
 Name Calling -- Ties a person or cause to a largely perceived negative image.
 Fear -- Presenting a dreaded circumstance of a choice or action, or of not taking an action endorsed by the
machine
 Plain Folks – The candidate or cause is identified with common people from everyday walks of life.
Propaganda Poster Planning
Propaganda Technique:
Message:
Reason you think this is important:
Sketch:
Propaganda Technique:
Message:
Reason you think this is important:
Sketch:
Propaganda Technique:
Message:
Reason you think this is important:
Sketch: