Download Propaganda Techniques

Pesky Propaganda
How to know when you’ve fallen for
the trap!
What is Propaganda?
• Propaganda is an expression of opinion or
action by individuals or groups
• Deliberately designed to influence opinions or
actions of other individuals or groups
• Predetermined ends.
Common Propaganda Devices
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Name Calling
Glittering Generalities
Transference
Testimonials
Plain Folks
Snob Appeal
Card Stacking
Bandwagon
Individuality
Name-Calling
• This device gives bad names to those
individuals, groups, nations, races, policies,
beliefs, and ideals which the propagandist
would have us condemn or reject.
• Name-calling causes us to form a judgment
without examining the evidence on which it
should be based.
• Here, the propagandist appeals to our hate
and fear.
Glittering Generalities
• These words suggest shining ideals.
• As name-calling seeks to make us form a judgment or
reject, Glittering Generalities seek to make us accept
and approve…without examining the evidence.
• Beware of words that appeal to your senses in a
positive way, thus you trust the message and what it
stands for:
–
–
–
–
–
Freedom
Loyalty
The American Way
Generosity
Love
Transference
• This technique can be described as carrying
over the authority, sanction, and prestige of
something we respect and revere to
something the propagandist would have us
accept.
• Symbols such as the cross, the American flag,
or Uncle Sam are often used in transfer ploys.
• “If the church or the U.S. approves of it , then
you should too.”
Testimonials
• This devices is employed to make us accept
something by securing statements or
endorsements from prominent or famous
people.
• The point to remember is that no person’s
opinion is particularly valuable except for in
that person’s field of work.
• Tiger Wood’s opinion of a golf club is worth
more than his opinion of a razor blade.
Plain Folks
• The Plain Folks device is used by politicians,
business, educators, and even churches to win
our confidence by appearing to be common
people just like ourselves.
• For example, during election time, you will see
candidates doing ordinary activities like walking
his dog, exercising, or playing with his children.
• They want to give the impression of being a
regular guy.
Snob Appeal
• The opposite of Plain Folk.
• Some propagandists want you to have the
feeling that only the best, most beautiful, or
most elite people will possess or support a
particular product or ideal.
• Consider ads for Mercedes or Rolex.
• Gold Cards
• Platinum Cards
Card Stacking
• This device is used when the propagandist
only wants us to know part of the truth.
• They do not tell the whole story to sway
opinion.
• For example, a car repair shop might say that
their technicians have an average of 5 years
experience. What they do not tell you is that
they have 1 technician with 25 years
experience and 4 with none.
Band Wagon
• This device is used to make us follow the
crowd.
• It’s the “everybody’s doing it” so “come along
and follow the crowd” ploy.
• PEER PRESSURE!
Individuality
• The opposite of Band Wagon.
• Appeals to your desire to be different or
celebrate your own style.
Others
• Repetition – continued use of a phrase.
• Slogan – Use of a catchy phrase or jingle.
• Security – Job, families, or lives will be in danger
if you don’t support -------.
• Product Comparison – Compares Product A to
Product B.
• Loaded Words – Using words with either positive
or negative connotations.
– Flexible, courageous, hero, open-minded
– Insider, old, rigid, inexperienced
Closing Thoughts
• It is okay to buy a product, support a person,
or support a group.
• Just know the REAL reason why you support
that product, person, or group.
• Don’t be manipulated and trapped!!
Propaganda Portfolio
•
•
•
•
Pocket folder with brads
Cover sheet (Title, Name, Period, Due date)
10 pages / 10 collected advertisements
Each page will include one printed example of an
advertisement that uses at least one type of
propaganda.
• Each page will include a written explanation of
how the propaganda device is used.
• Each page will identify the target audience.
Propaganda Portfolio
• ONE ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENT
• Use a real or fictitious product, place, or
person.
• Use one or more propaganda devices to
convince a target audience to “buy” your
product or person.
• Include a written explanation of the
propaganda device used and the target
audience.
Propaganda Portfolio Rubric
Due: ____________
Propaganda Portfolio Rubric
Requirements
Comments
Points Received
* Folder,
* Cover Sheet,
* Title, Name, Date, Period
Max 10
* 10 advertisements
* Explanation of propaganda device used in
ad.
* Identify target audience.
Max 50
* Original advertisement of a real or
fictitious product, place, or person.
* Appropriate, well-developed, neat,
colorful, obvious effort
Max 30
* Written statement of chosen propaganda
type
* Clearly stated target audience.
Max 20