EOTO Response - Propaganda

    Propaganda in simple terms is the dissemination of information ranging from facts, arguments, rumors, half-truths, or lies to influence public information. Its main purpose is to influence people's opinions or active behaviors, rather than merely communicating facts about a certain topic. Heavy emphasis on manipulation, stopping casual conversation and the free and easy exchange of opinions. Propaganda was most frequently used in the 1930's through the 1940's which was the rise of the Second World War. 

    There are 7 main types of propaganda used today. 

(1) Name Calling - this is the idea using a harsh or unlikeable name to a group, it will then cause the audience to resent them. An example is like having an archenemy back in elementary school or a rival at work, if you've experienced a situation like this, you have both resorted to name calling. Name calling advertising is popular between two brands that are similar, needing to lure consumers from one side to another. (2) Glittering Personalities - using words and phrases that stand out to your audience. This is used to try and elicit a positive response or feeling. An example, "things go 'better' with Coke." The use of the word "better" is what triggers a positive response. However, do these products or services always do what they say? No. (3) Transfer - transferring the good or bad feelings you have associated with a brand or image. For example, communists referring themselves to themselves as a 'people's democracy.'

    (4) Testimonial - Using someone's name who is seen as knowledgeable or distinguished. Think of a doctor recommending you a medication or a dentist giving you advice, you wouldn't think twice about the information they were providing like you would if it was a stranger. (5) Plain-Folks - when one claims they are the same as other people or someone else. You can relate to more to the experiences of people like yourself. (6) Card-Stacking - true facts that are split with facts that make the propagandist look better. For example, adding lies to an otherwise true story. If you were at a job interview and the interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself. You wont lay negatives out on the table. (7) Bandwagon- the idea that because other people are doing something, you should be doing it too. It's similar to agreeing that a certain teacher was bad because the entire class thought so or going to a party because everyone else is deciding to go. 

    We've witnessed countless events throughout our history that have been a source of pain across the world which also held a very successful use of propaganda. Today, propaganda is replaced with digital visuals that are quickly and easily produced. The meme Pepe the Frog has been weaponized to spread misinformation throughout social media. These memes are shared by your family on Facebook, while they are intended to alter the viewers' thoughts subconsciously. 

    The dangers of propaganda revolve around our fast-paced culture which is full of people who are likely to believe everything they read online. As time goes on, it is harder to distinguish the truth from the lies. Now propaganda is no longer pushed to advance the good in the public, we must take the time to discern fiction from facts. We are not immune to propaganda.