Download The plain folks propaganda technique is an attempt

Common Propaganda Techniques
A propaganda technique is an appeal to emotion used for the purpose of swaying the opinions of an audience.
Propaganda has been around since the beginning of time. It is basically a type of message aimed at influencing the
behavior, opinions, and decisions of people. Mainly used in politics, propaganda is hugely influenced by methods of
influence used in public relations and advertising. Propaganda is often defined as the spreading of ideas, information, or
rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person. Using emotions to overcome logical
and emotional thinking is one of the key aspects of propaganda. If you have been influenced by the different
techniques used, then chances are that you will not pay as much attention to the evidence presented as you would have
normally. Every type of media uses propaganda including radio, television, newspapers, the internet, etc. The
following are common rhetorical propaganda techniques:
1. Opinion
Stated
as Fact
2.
Bandwagon
An Opinion Stated as Fact is an enthusiastic or energetic statement presented as a fact, although it is
not necessarily true. They often imply that the statement requires no explanation or back up, but that it
should merely be accepted without question. The subject, ideally, should simply agree to the statement
without searching for additional information or reasoning. A personal opinion becomes accepted as
fact.
Bandwagon is an appeal to the subject to follow the crowd, to join in because others are doing so as
well. Bandwagon propaganda is, essentially, trying to convince the subject that one side is the winning
side, because more people have joined it. The subject is meant to believe that since so many people
have joined, that victory is inevitable and defeat impossible. Since the average person always wants to
be on the winning side, he or she is compelled to join in. The technique embodies a "keeping up with
the Joneses" philosophy. Influencing people by telling them how everyone is using the same product or
is true to the same ideology. This encourages people to take the same course of action.
Example It is a technique that is used largely during elections. Many people are often influenced to
vote for those candidates or parties whom the majority seem to be supporting. These people are also
often the most likely to succeed. In the United States, because of the time zone difference, results in the
eastern parts are declared before polls close in the west which often influences voters in the western
zones.
3. Card
Stacking
Card stacking involves only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and
omitting information contrary to it. Although the majority of information presented by the card
stacking approach is true, it is dangerous because it omits important information. This term comes from
stacking a deck of cards in your favor. Card stacking is used to slant a message by giving half the truth
only.
Example: Many advertisers for drugs and food items use this technique effectively. The advertisement
will talk about the evident positives of the product on sale which by implication makes it appealing to a
consumer. By giving only part of the picture, the goodness of the product is highlighted greatly. It is a
technique that is also used by political parties to highlight the good that they have done for their
constituency while never mentioning the negatives.
4. Fear
5. Glittering
Generalities
The technique motivates human beings to do things because of fear. Warning members of [his/her]
audience that disaster will result if [it does] not follow a particular course of action. This technique
hopes to redirect attention away from the merits of a particular proposal and toward steps that can be
taken to reduce the fear. In order to instill fear, uncertainty and doubt, propagandists exploit general
ignorance.
Glittering generalities are words that have different positive meanings for individual subjects, but are
linked to highly valued concepts. When these words are used, they demand approval without thinking,
simply because such an important concept is involved. Words often used as glittering generalities are
honor, glory, love of country.
Example: The most well-known example of this propaganda technique was its use by Adolf Hitler who
would use words that were linked to ideas like freedom, pride, independence, and integrity in his
speeches. This way he would create a sense of pride in the audience in the concept of fatherland as he
suggested it. It was the use of this technique that helped him gain the mass support that he had.
6. Loaded
Words
7. Name
Calling
8. Plain
Folks
This technique involves using words with strong positive or negative connotations. Name-calling is
an example of the use of loaded words. So is any use of words that are charged with emotion.
Example: "No really intelligent voter would support his candidacy." Thus, if you do not wish to be
labeled as an unintelligent person, you feel you cannot vote for that person.
This technique consists of attaching a negative label to a person or a thing. People engage in this type
of behavior when they are trying to avoid supporting their own opinion with facts. Rather than explain
what they believe in, they prefer to try to tear their opponent down.
The plain folks propaganda technique is an attempt by the propagandist to convince the public that his
views reflect those of the common person and that they are also working for the benefit of the
common person. The propagandist will often attempt to use the accent of a specific audience as well as
using specific idioms or jokes.
Example: This is a technique that is used quite commonly during elections. Most politicians try to
establish a rapport with their voter group by creating the image that they have a lot in common.
Therefore, the images of George Bush wearing denims and a plaid shirt while relaxing at Camp David
or Bill Clinton eating at McDonalds are all examples of using the technique.
9.
Testimonials are quotations or endorsements, in or out of context, which attempt to connect a famous
or respectable person with a product or item. Testimonials are often used in advertising and political
campaigns. When coming across testimonials, the subject should consider the merits of the item or
proposal independently of the person of organization giving the testimonial.
Testimonials
Example: This propaganda technique is probably the most widely used and the most effective. When a
celebrity endorses a certain view, it is more than likely that fans and followers endorse the same view.
This technique is effectively used in politics but has even more far reaching consequences in
advertising wherein celebrity power can actually increase sales and brand value.
10. Transfer
This technique involves making an illogical association between one thing and something else that is
generally viewed as positive or negative. For example: "The American pioneers worked hard because
they cared about the future. If you can about the future of your family, then see your agent at Pioneer
Insurance." Transfer is an attempt to make the subject view a certain item in the same way as they view
another item, to link the two in the subjects mind.
Example: This propaganda technique is capable of creating highly emotional responses and therefore,
generally the imagery for association tends to be visual. The use of Swastika by the Nazi Party led to
negative associations for the symbol when in actuality it was an identifier for health and prosperity. Till
today the use of the Swastika can cause negative perceptions in the minds of people.
11.
Alliteration
Alliteration is repeating the same beginning letters in words or the same consonant sounds in words
that are close to each other to help people remember the words. This is often used to reinforce an
idea through slogans, songs, rhymes, etc.
12.
Rhetorical
Question
When the writer asks a question that no answer is expect for. The question is only being asked to get
the reader/listener to mentally agree with the writer/speaker. If the writer/ speaker can get the
reader/listener to mentally agree, then the reader/listener is more inclined to continue agreeing with
the writer/speaker – eventually, whatever is read/said seems (to the reader/writer) to be the absolute
truth .
13.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is exaggeration or over-statement to prove a point. (“I’ve told you a million times not to
do that.”) Used so that the reader/listener will be convinced of the truth of whatever is being
read/heard.
There may be more than one propaganda technique used in a single visual. Look carefully at the visuals
below and be ready to identify any propaganda techniques used AND discuss the value of using that specific
form of propaganda. Think about SOAPS (Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Speaker) as you look
below.
A.)
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
C.)
B.)
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
D.)
bandwagon
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________