Propaganda+Techniques

Madi's page Propaganda Techniques Throughout history we can study the multiple uses of propaganda. During times of war, especially World War Two, propaganda was use continuously. It was a way for the government or dictators to instill a certain feeling into the public to gain motivation and approval. During the war propaganda made the general public hate and mistrusts the enemy that it tore down. Propaganda was, and still is, a way for government and officials to __#|cloud__ our reality getting in the way of clear and honest thinking. There are many forms in which propaganda can be displayed. Multiple methods assist officials in fogging citizens’ minds into believing their opinion. The types of propaganda are listed below.

Bandwagon The __#|idea__ of “hop on the bandwagon” because everyone else is, holds the ability to pressure other people into doing certain things. No one wants to be left out, hence why they would not be the last to join or behave in that way.

Simplicity and Repetition These are both very useful techniques. This propaganda keeps the slogan simple and catchy. The continuous repetition will instill the ____#|idea____ and acceptance into the audience.

Testimonial Testimonial propaganda uses a celebrity or expert to endorse the message or product. This type of propaganda is effective because it shows the everyday civilian that certain famous people agree with or use that idea or product.

Euphemisms This type of propaganda uses words or statements that deter from a more blunt unappealing meaning. Using this __#|form__ of propaganda makes any subject more tasteful for the audience.

Black and White This __#|form__ of propaganda gives the viewer a black or white choice. It presents an issue that only contains two choices in which the reader or listener must choose.

Appeals to Authority Appealing to authority contains certain powerful and important people backing subjects and products. During times of war this was especially useful as certain leaders, like Hitler, could be used to sponsor the idea in which his government wants publically supported.

Plain Folks Using a portrayal of everyday folk tied to a cause, person or manufactured good, ties in a wider audience. It shows the general public that people like themselves are helping so they should two.



Transfer This technique transfers the positive or negative prestige of someone or something over to another issue. These two issues may not be relates but it is very effective. This technique can also be very visual. During Hitler’s rule, the Nazi flag contained a swastika; this symbol was originally Buddhist standing for health and prosperity.

Logical Fallacies Logical Fallacies draw conclusions, from a sequence of misconceptions. These arguments are convincing but not necessarily valid. An example of this is; Religion is good, and wars are fought over religion therefor religious wars must be good.

Glittering Generalities One of the most common types of propaganda is the use of glittering generalities. It uses words and pictures that instill a certain favorable meaning or idea into the viewer. The use of words such as; freedom, liberty, and civilization, hope to associate certain people with a specific idea or positive feeling without direct evidence.

Misery This technique appeals to the pity or sympathy of a viewer to gain support.

Fancy Words Fancy word propaganda uses sophisticated and methodical sounding words to draw away from the real truth, but still persuade the viewer.

Fear The use of fear in propaganda is very successful. This type of technique informs the viewer that they are in imminent danger if they do not do or say what they are instructed to carry out. Hitler and his Gestapo were very efficient with this form of propaganda.

Name Calling Name calling simply links a person or idea to a negative image. They use derogatory and prejudice terms when referring to a certain type of person to sway the listener or viewer into swaying their opinions. It is often used in war time to bring down the opposition, or in Hitler’s case his attack on the Jewish population.

Scapegoating The use of a scapegoat is to assign the blame to one individual or group. This instills the feeling of guilt into that certain party, and relieves tension from the actual situation another party needs to fix. This also causes the general public to view the scapegoat differently, such as the Jewish population in Hitler’s Third Reich.

Quotes out of Context This is simply the selective editing of quotes to discredit the original speaker. Changing the meaning of these quotes or documentaries is meant to disgrace the opposition.

Flag-Waving This type of propaganda enhances actions by presenting the idea of patriotic action through the inclusion of a national flag. Even though it is useful, rational thinking may still be capable in the viewer. It is only an attempt to justify actions for the better or a country, group or idea.

Euphoria This technique spawns bliss or euphoria but appealing to boost morale. It is created by the creation of a holiday, holding parades or celebrations, concerts, patriotic messages or by making luxury products available.

Disinformation Disinformation is used to make a false record or actions a person or party may have committed. It is the deletion or addition of information to public records through photographs, film, radio, recordings or printed documents.

[] Mrs. Ellett's notes on WWII Propaganda (notes/power point)