Nineteen Eighty-Four & Contemporary Propaganda a non-fiction response

How do we know what we know? How much of our knowledge about the outside world is based on first-hand experience? What are our sources for information? How reliable are they? The way we see the world is largely influenced by outside forces—and propaganda. The trick is to be able to identify propaganda when you see it so that you are not taken in unawares. Propaganda can be something simple and obvious—like a TV commercial— or it can be subtler, like a politician’s speech. It comes in many forms, and is literally all around us ALL THE TIME. You might be reading it right now . . .

Read on for your assignment:

You will be locating, analyzing, and explaining an example of modern-day propaganda. It may be an example of visual propaganda, written propaganda, or even aural (sound).

Here are the items your analysis needs to cover:

1. Describe the example you have found -- where did it come from and what does it look like? Use imagery and assume the reader is unfamiliar with the example. (3)

2. Explain what the example is trying to do -- what belief or reaction does it aim to cause? (4)

3. Explain the techniques used in the example -- see your notes. Make specific reference to the techniques and the text. (9)

4. Give your personal opinion of the example --- is it effective? Disturbing? Misleading? Dangerous? BE SPECIFIC. (3)

5. As always, have an effective introduction and conclusion, and use effective transitions. Your analysis is to be word-processed. (6)

NOTE: If possible, include the piece that you are analyzing – song lyrics, print advertisement, etc.

ANOTHER NOTE: The propaganda examples pictured on this assignment sheet are not contemporary; they are examples of Canadian and American propaganda from WWII. Your task is to find contemporary (current) examples to analyze.