This book was written in response to the wishes of several readers of my book, Propaganda Techniques, who wanted to have me probe somewhat deeper into the subject of propaganda. After some discussions with teachers and students, I used some of their ideas to come up with ten questions. This gave me the title of this book , Propaganda : A Question and Answer Approach, Having developed a list of question I went about the task of trying to answer them as best as I could. My hope is that the book will be useful to teachers, students, persuasive writers and advertisers as well as general readers.
PROPAGANDA
A Question and Answer ApproachBy Henry ConservaAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2009 Henry Conserva
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4389-7441-5Contents
Acknowledgements...............................................................................................................vIntroduction...................................................................................................................viiChapter 1 - What terms should be defined in exploring this topic?..............................................................1Chapter 2 - What makes people vulnerable to propaganda?........................................................................5Chapter 3 - Why is propaganda so vital and necessary?..........................................................................9Chapter 4 - How can we guard against propaganda based on false information or an extremely one-sided view?.....................13Chapter 5 - Who are some famous persuaders in world history?...................................................................17Chapter 6 - What is the evolutionary history of persuasion?....................................................................41Chapter 7 - What are some often overlooked forms of propaganda?................................................................55Chapter 8 - Who uses propaganda?...............................................................................................61Chapter 9 - What might be the future of propaganda?............................................................................65Chapter 10 - What are some propaganda techniques?..............................................................................67Bibliography...................................................................................................................157
Chapter One
WHAT TERMS SHOULD BE DEFINED IN EXPLORING THE SUBJECT? 1. Propaganda:
There are many definitions of the word propaganda. Some definitions are simple, perhaps to a fault. Other definitions are complex. Some definitions are restrictive, others more inclusive. Here a few selected definitions of propaganda.
Propaganda is a one sided communication designed to influence peoples thinking and behavior.
Propaganda is the art of persuasion. As a sharp knife in the hands of a skilled surgeon can save a life, in the hands of a murderer a life can be taken. Propaganda can be put to use for both good and evil purposes.
The more or less systematic effort to manipulate other peoples beliefs, attitudes, or actions by means of symbols. We humans live in a symbolic universe.
Propaganda includes all communications in trying to sell something. This definition would include advertising.
Propaganda is communication who's argument relies on twisted faulty logic, misinformation, or disinformation.
Propaganda is communication that favors emotion over reason.
Propaganda is communication that favors belief over experience, evidence, or reason.
Propaganda is the systematic propagation of a given doctrine or of allegations reflecting its views or interests.
Propaganda is the manipulation of symbolic communication.
The art of persuasion. (the authors choice)
Propaganda is a specific type of message presentation aimed at serving an agenda. At its root, the denotation of propaganda is "to propagate (actively spread) a philosophy or point of view." the most common use of the term (historically) is in political contexts; in particular to refer to certain efforts sponsored by governments or political groups.
Propaganda refers to any persuasive technique, whether in writing, speech, films, or other means that attempts to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior, of a group for the benefit of the person or organization using it. Propagandists try to put across an idea, good or bad, rather than discover the truth though reasoned argument and persuasion. The goal of a propagandist is to mold behavior to support their cause without concern for the interest or benefit of the audience.
2. White propaganda generally comes from an openly identified source, and is characterized by gentler methods of persuasion, such as standard public relations techniques and one-sided presentation of an argument.
3. Black propaganda often pretends to be from a friendly source but is actually from an adversary. Black propaganda is characterized by it's presentation of false information or elicit a desired response, and is often sued in covert military psychological operations by large networked organizations such as terror networks or governments.
4. Grey propaganda may come from an adversarial source pretending to be friendly or neutral , and presents misleading information in a more insidious manner that white propaganda. In scale these different types of propaganda can also be defined by the potential of true and correct information to complete with the propaganda. For example, opposition to white propaganda is often readily found and may slightly discredit the propaganda source.
5. Indoctrination is the teaching and acceptance of a system of thought uncritically.
6. "Brain washing" is a particular form of propaganda. The term is defined as an intensive indoctrination, usually political, aimed at changing a persons basic convictions and attitudes and replacing them with a fixed and unquestioned set of beliefs. "Brain washing" was first popularized by Edward Hunter by his 1951 book, Brainwashing in Red China. Brain washing was his translation for a Chinese term, "hsinao" meaning roughly "cleansing the mind". " Brain washing" was coined during the Korea war when a number of American prisoners of war violated military codes after being captured, imprisoned, interrogated, and tortured by the north Koreans and the Chinese.
7. "Spin" is the practice of interpreting statements or stories to benefit a person or group or to attack a person or group in an adversarial position. To spin is to offer a contention, usually specious, in response to a critical argument or a negative news story it does not necessarily involve lying or misleading any one about factual matters. "Spin" often but not always implies disingenuous deceptive and/or highly manipulated tactics.
8. A "spin doctor" is an advisor or a politician who interprets or slants statements or stories to the media in his or hers client's favor.
9. Enculturation is the process by which human infants learn their culture.
10. Persuasion is the act of winning over someone to a course of action by reasoning or inducement. Persuasion attempts to win "the heart and mind" of the target. Thus persuasion must induce attitude change, which entails affective (emotion-based) change.
Chapter Two
WHAT MAKES PEOPLE VULNERABLE TO PROPAGANDA?
It's difficult, if not impossible, to determine what makes people vulnerable to persuasion and propaganda messages. I will indulge in speculation and list a few possible reasons for human gullibility in this matter.
The human condition is that we are mostly ignorant about most things. Many people have trouble, from time to time, trying to figure out their own behavior. Ignorance makes us rely on faith and that opens the door to your mind from the propagandist's point of view. In my experience most political elections, religious beliefs and marriages are acts of faith. We tend to vote, pray, marry and...
