The Crisis

Thomas Paine and the art of Propaganda

“These are the times that try men’s souls…”

In 1776 Paine wrote Common Sense, an extremely popular and successful pamphlet arguing for independence from England.

General Washington found it so inspiring, he ordered that it be read to the troops at Valley Forge.

“The Crisis” is chock full of propaganda

It’s a form of persuasion that attempts to influence the emotions, attitudes, opinions, and actions of a target audiences for various purposes

Ideological (related to your beliefs) political commercial

It uses one-sided messages (which may or may not be based on fact).

It often uses loaded messages to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented.

Propaganda, simply put, tries to manipulate public opinion to get us to believe what someone wants us to believe.

Famous examples

So what are the propaganda techniques?Bandwagon: this approach encourages you to think that because everyone else is doing something, you should do it too, or you'll be left out.

Glittering Generalities: This technique uses important-sounding "glad words" that have little or no real meaning. When these words are used, they demand approval without thinking. For example, when a person is asked to do something in "defense of democracy" they are more likely to agree.

Name calling: This attaches a negative label to a person or a thing. People engage in this type of behavior when they are trying to avoid supporting their own opinion with facts. Rather than explain what they believe in, they prefer to try to tear their opponent down.

Plain Folks: This technique uses a folksy approach to convince us to support someone or something. These ads depict people with ordinary looks doing ordinary activities.

Transfer: An attempt is made to transfer the prestige of a positive symbol to a person or an idea. For example, using the American flag as a backdrop for a political event makes the implication that the event is patriotic and in the best interest of the U.S.

Testimonial: when "big name" personalities are used to endorse a product. Whenever you see someone famous endorsing a product, ask yourself how much that person knows about the product, and what he or she stands to gain by promoting it.

Card Stacking:This term comes from stacking a deck of cards in your favor. Card stacking is used to slant a message. Key words may be included or unfavorable statistics may be omitted in an ad or commercial, leading to a series of half-truths.

So what does this have to do with