“All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.” (Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, 1925–1926)
“The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their understanding of their own history.” (George Orwell, 1984, 1949)
What Is Propaganda?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the Latin word “propagare” means “to set (onto a plant) a small shoot or twig cut for planting or grafting.” This implies artificial plant reproduction rather than natural growth. Let’s imagine that the plants are people and the twig cuts are ideas.
Probably, you can guess that the main task of propaganda is to share information among people and make them believe it, or “graft” specific ideas into people’s minds in order to mould their behavior and attitudes.
You know that information is the power that lets people, especially those who know what they are doing, control other people, especially those unaware of what is going on. Propagandists use different psychological approaches and techniques to make victims follow their concealed guidelines.
What Is the Definition of Propaganda?
The Cambridge Dictionary offers the following definition of propaganda:
“Information, ideas, opinions, or images, often only giving one part of an argument, that are broadcast, published, or in some other way spread with the intention of influencing people’s opinions.”
According to Kimball Young, psychologist and the president of the American Sociological Association in 1945, propaganda first meant religious proselyting. Over time, the meaning of this word grew ambiguous and gained several senses. In his book “Social Psychology: An Analysis of Social Behavior”, K. Young points out two key meanings of the word “propaganda”:
“Really the word has been used in two senses — one very broad and vague, the other fairly special. The first sense is simply any form of proselyting, publicity and advertising or even education […] In the more special sense propaganda means an effort deliberately to manufacture popular opinions and attitudes and thus to control popular conduct.”
On top of that, he mentions the following:
“The objects of propaganda do not know the purposes of the makers of the propaganda. Propaganda then is the propagation of ideas, opinions and attitudes, the real purpose of which is not made clear to the hearer or reader.”
This suggests that the propagated ideas and attitudes do not emerge spontaneously or unconsciously in the victims’ minds, they are cultivated artificially. Besides, there is always a specific motive behind every idea or behavior imposed by propaganda. Those motives, usually hidden, vary from educational and virtuous to deceiving and fatal. Yet, after a series of dreadful uses, propaganda has acquired a negative reputation, often implying deliberate manipulation for personal gain.
What Are the 6 Types of Propaganda?
Propaganda has always been the preferred tool of politicians, advertisers, and religious communities. These groups use specific approaches of propaganda or mix them to suit their purposes. Let’s delve into the 6 key types of propaganda: white propaganda, black propaganda, grey propaganda, political propaganda, commercial propaganda, and religious propaganda.
White Propaganda
- Description: White propaganda is openly acknowledged and attributed to a specific source. It often presents information in a truthful manner, but it may still be selectively presented to influence opinions.
- Example: A government releasing official statements to inform the public about its policies.
Black Propaganda
- Description: Black propaganda is designed to deceive the audience about the true source of the information. It often involves spreading false or misleading information while making it appear as if it comes from a different, credible source.
- Example: Spreading false information during wartime to undermine the morale of the enemy.
Grey Propaganda
- Description: Grey propaganda implies spreading information from a source that is intentionally ambiguous or not clearly attributed. It falls between white and black propaganda.
- Example: During a conflict, a government might share information through unofficial channels, creating uncertainty about whether it’s a legitimate leak, an insider whistleblower, or an independent news source. This ambiguity can make the information more persuasive.
Political Propaganda
- Description: Political propaganda aims to influence public opinion for political purposes. It can be used by governments, political parties, or individuals to shape perceptions, gain support, or discredit opponents.
- Example: Campaign materials promoting a political candidate’s achievements.
Commercial Propaganda
- Description: Commercial propaganda is used in advertising and marketing to influence consumer behavior. It often employs persuasive techniques to promote products or services.
- Example: Advertisements highlighting the benefits of a particular brand of toothpaste.
Religious Propaganda
- Description: Religious propaganda aims to promote a particular religious belief or ideology. It can be used to spread religious messages, gain converts, or influence religious practices.
- Example: Pamphlets promoting a specific religious doctrine.
What Are the Types of Propaganda Techniques?
Propagandists provide information selectively while their main target is mainly people’s emotions. Hitler’s or Stalin’s speeches conveyed a mere ratio, but their tone, facial expressions, and gestures hypnotized millions and kept them loyal to their terrible ideas for years.
Suggestion or Stimulation
Ralf D. Casey, a professor at the School of Journalism, University of Minnesota, distinguished suggestion or stimulation as the main propaganda tool (1944). It works this way: a propagandist makes positive and plain statements about something. All criticism of those statements remains unheard and avoided.
Advertising
Another propaganda tool, as per R.D. Casey, is more tricky and indistinct. It implies “… the use of hints, insinuations, or indirect statements.” Simply put, it is advertising: posters, slogans voiced by famous people, songs, marches, etc.
Fulfilling People’s Desires
According to Casey, the third tool is satisfying people’s desires by thoroughly studying public opinions and preferences. Pleased wishes and addressed pains make people less careful and more trustful.
Symbolism as a Powerful Propaganda Tool
Propagandists commonly use symbolism to strengthen their appeal to people’s emotions. The simpler the symbol is, the better — people must remember it. Propaganda symbols usually have a cultural or historical reference to create an illusion of a shared identity. Intense colors and bold fonts on posters help build an association between the symbol and a particular idea. The propaganda artifacts usually pursue their target audience to keep them trapped as long as necessary.
Other propaganda techniques include
- Name-calling: attaching a negative label to a person or an idea to evoke a negative emotional response without addressing the actual argument.
- Bandwagon: encouraging people to adopt a particular behavior or belief because “everyone else is doing it.”
- Card-stacking: presenting only the information or evidence that supports a particular point of view while omitting or downplaying contradictory evidence.
What Are the Goals of Propaganda?
The goals of propaganda can vary depending on the context, the propagandist’s objectives, and the specific message being promoted. However, there are some common goals that are often associated with propaganda efforts.
Shaping Public Opinion
Propaganda seeks to influence public opinion in favor of a particular idea, cause, or ideology. This can involve shaping perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs to align with the propagandist’s goals.
Manipulating Behavior
Propaganda aims to manipulate the behavior of individuals or groups. This could involve encouraging certain actions, discouraging others, or fostering a particular response to a situation.
Creating Unity and Support
Propaganda often aims to create a sense of unity among a target audience. It seeks to foster a collective identity and garner support for a cause, leader, government, or ideology.
Discrediting Opponents
Propaganda may target individuals, groups, or ideas perceived as opponents or threats. The goal is often to discredit, delegitimize, or undermine the credibility of those who hold opposing views.
Building Trust and Loyalty
Propaganda can be used to build trust and loyalty among a specific audience. This could involve presenting a particular leader, organization, or government as trustworthy and reliable.
Creating Fear or Insecurity
In some cases, propaganda may seek to create fear or insecurity among the target audience. This can be used to manipulate emotions and push individuals towards a desired course of action.
Promoting Ideological Beliefs
Propaganda often serves to promote and reinforce specific ideological beliefs. This could be political, religious, cultural, or social ideologies that align with the propagandist’s goals.
How to Resist Propaganda?
Resisting propaganda involves developing critical thinking skills, being aware of manipulation techniques, and seeking diverse sources of information. Here are some tips on how to resist propaganda:
Be Informed
- Stay well-informed by seeking information from a variety of reliable sources.
- Verify information before accepting it as true, especially if it triggers strong emotional reactions.
Develop Critical Thinking
- Question the motives behind the messages you encounter.
- Analyze information critically, considering multiple perspectives.
Diversify Your Sources
- Consume news and information from diverse sources to get a more balanced view.
- Avoid relying solely on one news outlet or social media platform.
Awareness of Emotional Manipulation
- Recognize emotional appeals and attempts to manipulate feelings like fear or anger.
- Take a step back if you feel a strong emotional response to information.
Question Biases
- Be aware of your own biases and how they might influence your perception.
- Consider how the information aligns with your existing beliefs.
Media Literacy
- Improve media literacy skills to navigate information more effectively.
- Understand how media platforms operate and how algorithms influence content.
Question Authority
- Question information presented by authoritative figures or institutions.
- Be skeptical of information that lacks transparency or accountability.
Encourage Open Dialogue
- Engage in open and respectful discussions with others to exchange diverse perspectives.
- Be open to reconsidering your views based on new information.
Conclusion
The history of propaganda shows us that its effects may be drastic and long-lasting. Even if it starts with a single meeting, speech, or march, the consequences might be tragic. While there is no chance that certain organized groups will ever stop using propaganda for their personal gain, there is certainly a chance to resist propaganda by staying informed and thinking critically. As Stephen Hawking said, “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”
