[ propaganda
]
The repetition of simple messages, images, and slogans can create
our knowledge of the world, defining what is truth and specifying
how
we should live our lives. Consider the
Marlboro Man. What does this cowboy teach us?
First that smoking is for the rugged, self-confident individual
[as opposed to being a health hazard]. Second, that American
men should be macho [as opposed to, say, caring and sensitive].
And finally, that you can be rugged and macho simply by smoking
Marlboro’s ? it is that easy.
propaganda [noun]
1the systematic propagation of a given doctrine.
2ideas, information, or other material disseminated to
win people over to a given doctrine.
[American Heritage Dictionary]
Persuasion and propaganda have existed since human beings began to
communicate. The term itself stems from the root “propagate” and
evolved into its present-day meaning from the Catholic Church’s
quest
to propagate the faith in the 17th century. During the 20th century
it has
been used to describe persuasion tactics used during wartime and
by
totalitarian regimes, from which it has earned negative connotations.
Propaganda is the communication of an idea with the ultimate goal
of
having the audience” voluntarily” accept a position as if it were
his/her
own. I view persuasion and propaganda as synonymous, referring
to
persuasion on a conceptual level (referring to technique) and propaganda
as a tangible product (such as a poster)