PROPAGANDA

DEFINITIONS

Definitions of Propaganda From Latin propagatio:

to grow, to spread, to multiply.

Propaganda = to disseminate, to propagatebut also: distort, manipulate, brainwash…

Or, maybe propaganda is:any statement from a source we don’t like (Joseph Schumpeter, 1966)

Or, maybe… We cannot define it but we know

when we see it.

When in 1964 Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart tried to define what is obscenity, he said, "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced, but I know it when I see it . . .”

Is propaganda just another form of persuasion? For example: Marketing = selling School = teaching The Church = proselytizing Politics = propagandizing The Military = indoctrinating

Jowett and O’Donnell Definition Propaganda is

the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist

Definition: further refinements A sub-set of both information and persuasion. Tries to look like informative communication

and persuasion Tries to control information flow Manages public perception and opinion Well-being of the audience is not a primary

concern.

Definition: further refinements Does not seek mutual understanding or mutual

fulfillment of needs. Is deliberate and systematic (often) Conceals true purpose (often) Conceals propagandist’s true identity Ultimate object of propaganda is behavior

change

Kellner’s definition. Kellner (1992).The Persian Gulf TV War (p. 194)

Propaganda is a mode of discourse intended to persuade, to manipulate, and to

indoctrinate its audience into accepting policies that they might not otherwise support.

Kellner’s definition. Kellner (1992).The Persian Gulf TV War (p. 194)

It attempts to squash questioning and criticism by dramatizing evil and concealing facts that

might be embarrassing for the forces disseminating the propaganda.

Kellner’s definition. Kellner (1992).The Persian Gulf TV War (p. 194)

Propaganda is a discourse that legitimates certain interests and polices while providing a one-sided, simplified, and distorted, but not necessarily totally untrue, view of events or people.

Kellner’s definition. Kellner (1992).The Persian Gulf TV War (p. 194)

Propaganda might not be purely false. Propaganda is not mere lies and must appeal to

facts, though often selectively.

Harold Lasswell Propaganda is “the expression of opinions or

actions carried out deliberately by individuals or groups with a view to influencing the opinions or actions of other individuals or groups for predetermined ends and through psychological manipulations”.

Jacques Ellul Propaganda is concerned with influencing an

individual psychologically by creating convictions and compliance through imperceptible techniques that are effective only by continuous repetition.

Propaganda employs encirclement on the individual by trying to surround man by all possible routes, in the realm of feelings as well as ideas, and by assailing him in both his private and his public life

Types of propaganda Defined by the purpose of propaganda (the ends) the methods used (the means) the source

Political propaganda Political propaganda appears when a group,

usually a government or one of its agencies, uses techniques or influence in order to achieve political goals which are clearly distinguished and quite precise

Sociological propaganda Sociological propaganda: an attempt to

influence individuals to accept or assimilate the dominant economic and political ideologies/ beliefs of the society

Propaganda of Agitation Propaganda of Agitation: an attempt to agitate

emotions. Leads to changes. Usually subversive and oppositional

Propaganda of Integration Propaganda of Integration: Seeks to obtain

stable accepting behavior

The source: (usually concealed) Vertical (from the top) Horizontal (from within, same level)

White (identified, information tends to be accurate, but biased)

 Black (unidentified/misidentified and false)  Gray

The Methods (the means) Concealed Purpose Disinformation The False Statement (pretended to be true) The Deliberate Lies The Suggestion of falsehood The Suppression of Truth The Slanting of News

Propaganda and Control of Information withholding information releasing information at predetermined times releasing information in juxtaposition with

other information manufacturing information

Propaganda and Control of Information communicating information to selective

audiences distorting information suppression of minority opinion. control of media presenting distorted information from what

looks like a credible source

Information control / distortion Giving texts to be published in newspapers Favoring journalists who cooperated Planting fake “letters to the editor” Planting stories in foreign newspapers and then

publicizing them as true (disinformation)

Legitimizing information through legitimate sources

Publicizing Propagandist The PublicPlanting Receiving

Legitimate source

Facilitative communication Public Diplomacy: To explain and promote U.S. domestic and

foreign policy, cultural life, artistic and scientific accomplishments, American way of life, etc.

Through broadcast, print publications, organizing cultural events, subsidizing U.S. artists abroad, etc.

Successful public diplomacy: Voice of America popularizing jazz music

abroad (since the 1950s) Sponsoring opinion journals Teaching English language Subsidizing Scientific Conferences and

Research Fulbright Program for scholars Even promoting counterculture

The United States Information Agency (USIA) USIA maintains 190 posts in 142 countries.

USIA explains and supports American foreign policy and promotes U.S. national interests through information programs overseas.

The agency promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other nations by conducting educational and cultural activities.

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES The best known of these is the Fulbright

exchange program, which operates in over 125 countries.

Additionally, each year over 2,400 foreign leaders and professionals come to the United States at USIA's invitation as International Visitors

BROADCASTING Voice of America: 660 hours of

programming weekly in 53 languages Radio and TV Martí (in Spanish to Cuba), WORLDNET Television, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Radio Free Asia.

INFORMATION PROGRAMS Electronic and Printed Materials: The Washington File information service

provides full transcripts of speeches, Congressional testimony, and materials providing analysis of key issues.

INFORMATION PROGRAMS Information Resource Centers: Over 100 information resource for rapid delivery

of information to foreign leaders in government, media and academia.

In some developing countries, USIA supports public-access libraries that encourage in-depth study and understanding of American society and institutions.

INFORMATION PROGRAMS Foreign Press Centers: In Washington, New York, and Los Angeles

to assist resident and visiting foreign journalists.

The centers work cooperatively with privately sponsored international press centers in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Seattle.