PROPAGANDAMrs. Snyder

English 9February 3, 2014

What is Propaganda?

Propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or hurt a person, group, movement, institution, or nation.

Propaganda Throughout History

Napoleon Bonaparte (1813):

This portrait was designed to inspire loyalty and intimidate critics at a time when the Emperor’s power was declining and France was besieged on all sides. It was originally hung in the Council Hall of Montpellier but less than a year later, with Napoleon defeated, the painting was removed and returned to the artist with the bill unpaid.

Propaganda Throughout History

Crush The Germans (1915):

This poster from World War I was designed to encourage donations towards the war effort from the British public. The use of a five shilling piece provided added symbolic impact, as it features the image of St George slaying a dragon.

Propaganda Throughout History

Stalin Portrait (1949):

This portrait is from the book Poetry of Georgia published in 1949. It presents the Russian leader exactly as he wanted to be seen: as a cultured, learned scholar.

Propaganda Throughout History

Nazi Poster (WWII):

This poster was used by the German Nazi Party to drum up donations for youth hostels and homes, but most of the money was used for weapons productions and war costs.

Where is Propaganda?

Propaganda can be found in most types of media and literature, including: Newspapers and magazines Television and movies Advertisements Websites and blogs

Assertion

An enthusiastic or energetic statement presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true.

Example: Obama “HOPE” Poster

Bandwagon

An appeal to people to follow the crowd; to join in an activity because others are doing it, too.

Example: McDonald’s Advertising

Card-Stacking

Presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and leaving out information that is not positive.

Example: Cigarette/Alcohol Advertisements

Lesser of Two Evils

Tries to convince people of an idea or proposal by presenting it as the least offense option.

Example: Campaign ads

Testimonials

Quotations or endorsements which attempt to connect a famous or respectable person with a product or item.

Example: Infomercials

Plain-Folks

An everyday person’s attempt to convince the public that his views reflect those of the common person.

Example: If I can, so can you

Name-Calling

The use of derogatory language or words that carry a negative connotation when describing an enemy.

Example: political attack ads

Glittering Generalities

Words that have different positive meaning for individual people, but are linked to highly valued concepts.

Example: Branding

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

In order for propaganda to be effective, it relies on three “Modes of Persuasion” (Rhetorical Devices).

The three modes are: Ethos Pathos Logos

Ethos

A Greek word, it is the basis for the English word “ethics”, which refers to the principles of right and wrong.

Pathos

Means “emotion”; every good argument appeals to emotions.

Logos

A Greek word, it is the basis for the English word “logic”, which refers to reason, solid facts, and sound information.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

How does this advertisement appeal to Ethos, Pathos, and Logos?

What Did You Learn?

Please write a FOUR SENTENCE summary on what you have learned about Propaganda and the Three Modes of Persuasion (Rhetorical Devices).