Download Detecting Propaganda

Detecting Propaganda
According to Adams,
Propaganda is a deliberate attempt on the part of a group or an individual to sway
our opinions in their favor….Propaganda techniques usually appeal to our
emotions or our desires rather than our reason….Propagandists are usually not
concerned with good or bad, right or wrong. They are more concerned with
getting us to believe what they want us to believe. (313)
Seven basic techniques
Name calling: Using names that appeal to our prejudices or fears
Glittering generalities: Using words that appeal to our emotions
such as justice, founding fathers, love, loyalty.
Transfer: Linking something we like or respect to some person, cause, or
product. We transfer our positive feelings to the subject it is associated
with.
Testimonial: Using well-known people to support a person, product, or cause.
Plain folks: People appear to be "plain folks" just like us.
Card stacking: Lying, omitting, or evading facts; underplaying or
overemphasizing issues; telling half truths; taking things out of context.
The bandwagon: Appeals to our desire to fit in, be popular, follow the crowd
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The Ford Escort--best selling car in the world for three straight years!
X Aspirin--More effective against pain!
"I'm Senator Sue--no fancy cars, no expensive house. I represent YOU!"
Anything--and I mean anything--that has a basketball player in it or on it
If you love the flag, you'll vote for Senator Sue.
Toyota--the Official Car of Southern California
"Hi, I'm Ed McMahan--and I want to tell you about Veteran's Insurance…."
"Did you hear about Barbara? Her husband died and Social Security didn't
pay for his funeral. She didn't have enough insurance…."
Chevron ad--"Do people care? People do."
Senator Sue, a bleeding heart liberal, is soft on crime when we need
strength and leadership.
Sahara Anti-Wrinkle Cream--leaves you looking younger, softer, fresher.
Discourages wrinkles. With alpha-hydroxy!
Shimmer Toothpaste—Doctor recommended!
"Don't vote for Senator Dave--when he was 17, he burned his draft card!!!"
Big Heart Pharmacy--someone you can trust.
From Developing Reading Versatility. 1993.