What is propaganda?

Propaganda is “The spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person” OR “ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause; also a public action having such an effect.” {From the Merriam Webster Dictionary}

Propaganda has been perpetrated by those in power for centuries. In order to get the masses of people to agree with one’s agenda, these three things are important:

• Just use some emotionally-charging propaganda,
• Publicize through the media,
• And repeat several times!

Popular Propaganda Techniques :

Name-Calling~Creating fear and incite hatred by using negative words to create an unfavorable opinion against a group, beliefs, ideas or institutions they want us to condemn.

Glittering Generalities~Utilizing vague, catchy statements (often slogans or simple catchphrases) that connect with values and beliefs deeply held by the audience. They usually hold no supporting information or reason. They are attractive to the public with “good feeling”, such as s honor, glory, love of country, desire for peace, freedom, and family values.

Transfering~The shifting of something we respect and revere to an idea that the propagandist would have us accept. Symbols (waving the flag) that stir emotions are often used.

Testimonial~Attempting to connect with the public by exploiting the story of a respected person or someone with experience to support a cause by giving it their stamp of approval with the hopes that the public will follow their example. (Sounds like a business, doesn’t it?)

Plain Folks~ An attempt to persuade the public that the spokesperson (candidate) is from humble origins. This way the public may develop a trust in that person that he/she will have thei best interests at heart. Ordinary language and mannerisms are used to better connect with the public.

Bandwagon~ “Jump on the bandwagon!” An attempt to persuade the audience to follow the crowd. “Be on the winning side!” This technique provokes feelings of loneliness and isolation if an individual does not join in the crowd..

Card Stacking~Creating the best case possible for one side and the worst for the opposition. It contains many missing pieces that are difficult to detect by the public, because only the details that support his/her side of the argument are expressed. “Stacking the cards against the truth.”

And There’s MORE! BUT MOST ESPECIALLY, Put it all on television!

(From the 1976 movie “Network”)

However, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”~Abraham Lincoln

So, learn to tune-out all the hub-bub and listen to your inner core! Don’t believe everything you hear and see. Turn off the TV! ~The Soft Oracle