How to analyze propaganda
Propaganda
Propaganda TechniqueS
Edward Filene helped establish the Institute of
Propaganda Analysis in 1937 to educate the American public about the nature of
propaganda and how to recognize propaganda techniques. Filene and his
colleagues identified the seven most common "tricks of the trade" used
by successful propagandists.
1. Name Calling:
Propagandists use this technique to create
fear and arouse prejudice by using negative words (bad names) to create
anunfavorable opinion or hatred against a group, beliefs, ideas
or institutions they would have us denounce. This method calls for
a conclusion without examining the evidence. Name Calling is used
as a substitute for arguing the merits of an idea, belief, or
proposal. It is often employed using sarcasm and ridicule in political cartoons
and writing.
* When confronted with this technique the Institute
for Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following
questions:What does the name mean? Is there a real connection between the
ideaand the name being used? What are the merits of the idea if I
leave thename out of consideration? When examining this technique try
to separate your feelings about the name and the actual idea or
proposal
(Propaganda Critic: Common Techniques 1).
2. Glittering Generalities:
Propagandists employ vague,
sweeping statements (often slogans or simple catchphrases) using
language associated with values and beliefs deeply held by the audience
without providing supporting information or reason. They appeal to such
notions as honor, glory, love of country, desire for peace, freedom, and
family values. The words and phrases are vague and suggest different
things to different people but the implication is always favorable. It cannot be
proved true or false because it really says little or nothing at
all.
* The Institute of Propaganda Analysis suggests a number of questions
we should ask ourselves if we are confronted with this technique:
What do the slogans or phrases really mean? Is there a legitimate
connection between the idea being discussed and the true meaning of the
slogan or phrase being used? What are the merits of the idea itself if it
is separated from the slogans or phrases?
3. Transfer:
Transfer is a technique used to carry over
the authority and approval of something we respect and revere to something the
propagandist would have us accept. Propagandists often
employ symbols (e.g., waving the flag) to stir our emotions and win
our approval.
* The Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we
ask ourselves these questions when confronted with this technique.
What is the speaker trying to pitch? What is the meaning of the thing
the propagandist is trying to impart? Is there a legitimate
connection between the suggestion made by the propagandist and the person
or product? Is there merit in the proposal by itself? When
confronted with this technique, question the merits of the idea or proposal
independently of the convictions about other persons, ideas,
orproposals.
4. Testimonial:
Propagandists use this technique to
associate a respected person or someone with experience to endorse a product or cause
by giving it their stamp of approval hoping that the intended
audience will follow their example.
* The Institute for Propaganda Analysis
suggests we ask ourselves the following question when confronted with
this technique. Who is quoted in the testimonial? Why should we
regard this person as an expert or trust their testimony? Is there merit to
the idea or product without the testimony? You can guard yourself against
this technique by demonstrating that the person giving the
testimonial is not a recognized authority, prove they have an agenda or vested
interest, or show there is disagreement by other experts.
5. Plain Folks:
Propagandists use this approach to convince
the audience that the spokesperson is from humble origins, someone they can
trust and who has their interests at heart. Propagandists have the
speaker use ordinary language and mannerisms to reach the audience
and dentify with their point of view.
* The Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following questions before
deciding on any issue when confronted with this technique. Is the person
credible and trustworthy when they are removed from the situation
being discussed? Is the person trying to cover up anything? What are
the facts of the situation? When confronted with this type of
propaganda consider the ideas and proposals separately from the personality
of the presenter.
6. Bandwagon:
Propagandists use this technique to persuade the audience to follow the crowd. This device creates the impression
of widespread support. It reinforces the human desire to be on the winning side. It also plays on feelings of loneliness and isolation. Propagandists use this technique to convince people not already on the bandwagon to join in a mass movement while simultaneously reassuring that those on or partially on should stay aboard. Bandwagon propaganda has taken on a new twist. Propagandists are now trying to convince the
target audience that if they don't join in they will be left out. The
implication is that if you don't jump on the bandwagon the parade will pass you by.
* While this is contrary to the other method, it has the same
effect: getting the audience to join in with the crowd.
* The Institute of Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following questions
when confronted with this technique. What is the propagandist's program? What is the evidence for and against the program?
Eventhough others are supporting it, why should I? As with most propaganda techniques, getting more information is the best defense.
When confronted with Bandwagon propaganda, consider the pros and cons before joining in.
7. Card Stacking:
Propagandist uses this technique to make
the best case possible for his side and the worst for the opposing viewpoint
by carefully using only those facts that support his or her side of
the argument while attempting to lead the audience into accepting
the facts as a conclusion. In other words, the propagandist stacks the
cards against the truth. Card stacking is the most difficult technique
to detect because it does not provide all of the information necessary for
the audience to make an informed decision. The audience must decide
what is missing.
* The Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we
ask ourselves the following question when confronted with this
technique: Are facts being distorted or omitted? What other arguments exist
to support these assertions? As with any other propaganda
technique, the best defense against Card Stacking is to