Propaganda

The purpose of propaganda is to persuade through the use of some morally questionable techniques.

Propaganda has the intention of making the reader believe what the writer wants them to believe. It is often dishonest as it uses several controlling techniques to transmit different manipulative practices or doctrines.

How does propaganda work?

· It uses assertion in place of reason or argument.

· It carefully selects facts to give the argument credibility. These facts are chosen to suit the purpose of the propagandist.

· Repetition, repetition, repetition. If something is heard often enough, we begin to believe it. Advertising uses this technique often.

· Guilt. The reader or listener is made to feel guilt or embarrassment about not accepting the claim or responding to the plea.

· An enemy. An enemy is selected as a target for hatred and anger. This provides a focus for the aggression and a distraction from weaknesses or shortcomings of the propagandist’s group.

· Illogical conclusions are drawn from the available evidence.

· Rhetorical questions do not require an answer and are used to emphasise and encourage unthinking acceptance of the propagandist’s authority and perspective.

· Emotive language is used to persuade.