Propaganda and BiasIn

Media

Propaganda and BiasDay 5

SL.6.2.• Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats

(e. g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under stud

RI.6.7.• Integrate information presented in different media or formats

(e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

• Utilize different media to generate a greater understanding of topic.

"At its root, propaganda plays on emotions, often defying reason and facts in order to reach into the psyche of the audience. Propaganda is a mind game — the skillful propagandist plays with your deepest emotions, exploiting your greatest fears and prejudices."

Bias

• “I have yet to see a piece of writing, political or non-political, that does not have a slant. All writing slants the way a writer leans, and no man is born perpendicular.” ― E.B. White

• Spin putting a 'positive spin' on events or situations; you only show YOUR side. Therefore, spin can emphasize or exaggerate facts.

SOME TYPES OF PROPAGANDA…

• Glittering generalities: A glittering generality seeks to make us approve and accept without examining the evidence; Glittering generalities include phrases such as “We believe in”, “fight for”, and “live by virtue”. They also include words about which we have deep-set ideas, such as civilization, Christianity, good, proper, right, democracy, patriotism, motherhood, fatherhood, science, medicine, health, and love.

• Testimonials: Famous people or figures who appear trustworthy speak to the audience

• Bandwagon: The basic theme of the band wagon appeal is that "everyone else is doing it, and so should you."

• Plain-folks: the ideas "of the people.” This is a recommendation from a plain, ordinary, non famous person who tells the reader or viewer that the product worked for him or her. Therefore, it will would for you.

• Scientific approach: Using scientific jargon (i.e. numbers, statistics, data, etc.) to convince your audience

• Transfer: use of symbols, quotes or the images of famous people to convey a message not necessarily associated with them. Religious and patriotic images may be the most commonly used in this propaganda technique but they are not alone.

• Card stacking: Only presenting one side of the issue/situation

• Name-calling: links a person, or idea, to a negative symbol. The propagandist who uses this technique hopes that the audience will reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative symbol, instead of looking at the available evidence.

• Euphemisms: make an unpleasant reality more palatable. This is accomplished by substituting pleasant words (such as “pre-owned") for negative words (“second-hand or used").

• Snob appeal: Giving the impression that people of wealth and prestige support an idea

• Emotional appeal (i.e. fear): Appealing to the emotions of your audience.

Now you try it…

• Emotional appeal• Snob appeal• Euphemisms• Name-calling• Card stacking• Transfer• Scientific approach

• Testimonials• Plain-folks• Glittering generalities• Bandwagon

You will need• A marker• A Dry erase

board• Your

propaganda definitions sheet.

Propaganda and BiasDay 6SL.CCR.2.

Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually,quantitatively, and orally • RI.6.8.• Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims

in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.– Interpret the claims of text.– Make a judgment.– Validate claims with evidence given.

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Introducing the new Chevy Tracker LT with a V6 engine. With all that power, a steel ladder-type frame and available four-wheel drive. There’s plenty of confidence to go around. It thinks big.

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President Obama's Stimulus Plan Speech on February 9, 2009

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THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE MARINES

MILITARY ADVERTISING

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He went to Jared.

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"The Jew: The inciter of war, the prolonger of war."

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Day 7SL.CCR.2.Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually,quantitatively, and orally • RI.6.8.• Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims

in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.– Interpret the claims of text.– Make a judgment.– Validate claims with evidence given.

Propaganda and Bias

•Propaganda and Bias distort the truth in advertising…

•What about truth in reporting….

You are about to experience truth …two different versions of the same incident. “Truth" can be spun by the strategic use of words.

Version #1• Chicago Bulls forward Dennis Rodman faces

yet another suspension by the NBA for his dangerous tirade in Saturday night's game at Chicago. Rodman was ejected with 1:31 left in the first quarter after receiving his second technical foul. Rodman then proceeded to head-butt referee Ted Bernhardt, catching him just above the left eye. In typical fashion, Rodman then ripped off his shirt and stormed around the court, pausing briefly to knock over a water cooler in front of a group of stunned young boys before finally leaving.

Version #2• Chicago Bulls forward Dennis Rodman faces

a suspension by the NBA for his wild and theatrical behavior in Saturday night's game at New Jersey. Rodman was given his notice of leave with 1:31 left in the first quarter of Saturday's game after receiving his second technical foul. Rodman appeared to have bumped an official during a heated discussion over the foul. Consistent with past heroics, and to the delight of the Chicago faithful, Rodman then removed his shirt as he paraded around the court before finally exiting stage left into his team's locker room.

Ask yourself if there is any propaganda, or bias in your Media?

• What has been left out of this article?

• What would I think if different facts had been highlighted here?

• What if this article had been written by those who have a particular bias?

• Has the author put his spin on the facts?

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The % Recorded As “News

Create a Biased Advertisement• Assignment: Create a full-page ad (about the above announcement) for the school newspaper from the point of view of one biased group. Your ad must include the following:• two of the propaganda/spin techniques • label these (25 points), • a colored illustration (25 points),

  

•Announcement - As of next month, all snack machines are

being removed from school premises.

Form a group of 5 and draw a number …

• • Group 1: School staff (principals or teachers) who are tired of the snack machines getting knocked over and vandalized

• • Group 2: Student health advocacy group called “Making Better Choices”

• • Group 3: Student athletes, who raid the snack machines daily when starving after practice

• • Group 4: 8th graders who can’t leave campus for lunch and despise the cafeteria food

• • Group 5:Cafeteria Workers, who have been advocating for low calorie and fat-free snacks to be put in the vending machines

• • Group 6: The Student Council, who has relied on the proceeds from the vending machine to fund school activities (ie the Fun Park, Skiing at Beaver)