Propaganda 0320

Discovering truth means we need to realize how others attempt to persuade us to believe or disbelieve.

Most of the propaganda devices utilize emotion and avoid critical thinking.

"How To Detect Propaganda" [Adapted from Shaw, 33-38]

The Name Calling

used to form a judgment without examining the facts. this device works with good and bad names.

The Glittering Generalities Device

uses "virtue words" that often appeal to emotions of love, generosity by using words which suggest shining ideals. These words are used to "befog" our thinking and avoid the need for critical thinking. "Bad words" make us mad while "good words" make us glad.

The Transfer Device

carrying over the authority, sanction, and prestige of something we respect and revere to something the propagandist would have us accept.

The Testimonial Device

works with "counter-testimonials" as well.

The Plain Folks Device

device which attempts to gain support by saying "people" are in support of this or that.

The Card Stacking Device

device which stacks the cards against the truth. Uses under and over emphasis of the facts.

The Band Wagon Device

"everyone is doing it"

Other Propaganda devices

The Slippery Slope

if you accept one tainted or false idea, that will lead to accepting other false beliefs. One step off the true and narrow and your belief system will begin an "inevitable." similar to bandwagoning in that if you leave "our wagon" you must climb aboard "that wagon."

Last Updated 24 February, 2000