Since the start of momentous wars such as World War I or World War II, the use of propaganda in the form of posters have quickly become a widespread campaign in order to have an impact on the opinions or emotions of individuals. Thanks to strategically placed facts or witty techniques about a certain product or movement, an individual may become convinced that it is okay to take heed to a campaign intended to catch one’s attention. It is said that propaganda takes on many characteristics that distinguish a negative advertisement from a positive advertisement, for example. Because industrial societies can achieve a greater connection to people, ideas between these societies are able to spread quickly while persuading them to join in the cause: “In more feudal environments, where there are absolute rulers and simple class systems, the complexities of propaganda are not needed. When the peasants revolt, you simply put them back in their place. Generally, however, they know their place and quietly stay there” (Christian). In this case, simplicity plays a large role in executing the perfect marketing promotion in the simple fact that the advertisement is quick, interesting and most importantly, it goes right to the point. But although propagandist concepts may not seem very complex, the brain power that goes into these projects is a force to be reckoned with.
With the flourishing progression of technology at its highest peak, the easy access to social media provides a convenient way for the public to instantly find out what is happening locally, nationally or internationally. The media has always kept us up to date on the latest events or information, but now that news can be seen from virtually any electronic device such as Apple products (iPhones, iPads, Tablets), Android phones or laptops using social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, propaganda is constantly being thrown at us. Without realizing what a profound effect these advertisements have on us, we may approve of this “daily propaganda diet” just because they simply appeal to us. In order to prove that the media gets us to support campaigns that are otherwise exaggerated, distorting or biased, Stephen Lendman shows that these messages can cause an obscured national crisis that we may not be aware of: “It's misinformation or agitprop disinformation masquerading as fact to boost circulation, readership, viewers, or listeners, and on vital issues lie about or suppress uncomfortable truths to provide unqualified support for state and/or corporate interests - to the detriment of the greater good that's always sacrificed for profits and imperial aims” (Lendman). Unfortunately, most would not like to admit that censorship and unverified specifics can compel them to vote for a Democrat instead of a Republican or to buy a Chrysler instead of a Toyota. But with all the truths that are being suppressed for the sake of more attention, we do not know who to believe. Biased opinions force us to believe that it is okay to accept a certain campaign because if we were to listen to our gut feeling, we cannot help but think that it will somehow backfire with lack of support.
In our current state of existence, we rely on propaganda as a guide to instruct us on what to wear, what to buy or what trend to follow in order to feel secure within the masses of society. We all strive to be an individual and listen to our hearts when it’s time to make decisions for ourselves. But with the influence of the general and social media continuously waiting for us to flock to their sides, it is hard for one to remain faithful to his or her own beliefs when all he or she can think about is how campaign can have benefits. The most criticized type of propaganda that frequently alters the personal opinions of an individual is Political propaganda. Without politics, a country cannot function let alone survive without having some kind of leader to tell its people what to do. As a result of popular vote elections, there are undoubtedly pros and cons that will ultimately have an effect on us if a majority of citizens prefer a certain candidate over the other. Propaganda specifically affects these decisions based on vague facts in which a biased campaign will use to change opinions about a running candidate: “Democrats also use polls and conduct focus groups, but primarily to discover public opinion concerning “the issues” – i.e., the economy, homeland security, health care, foreign policy, etc. Time and again, they discover that a majority of the public is “with the Democrats” on the issues. Time and again, the Republicans prove that the issues are of secondary importance to imagery and the public’s perception of the personalities of the candidates” (Partridge). By promising change, earning a relatable promotion or winning the trust of intended citizens, focusing on “the issues” have a profound effect of our decision making.
To put it briefly, propaganda is a part of our everyday lives that we cannot escape. As much as we try to avoid falling into the trap of consuming items like the iPhone 4 or switching to Dish Network, our entire lives revolve around these clever marketing ploys. The controlling grip of propaganda defines who we are as human beings: unequivocally dependent.
S ources: http://changingminds.org/techniques/propaganda/modern_%20propaganda.htm
http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Front-Page.htm?EdNo=001
http://www.crisispapers.org/essays/propaganda.htm
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