The Seven Tools of Propaganda

[baghdad bob]

Symbols, Snipery and Spectacles

Name Calling: hanging a bad label on an idea, symbolized by a hand turning thumbs down;

Card Stacking: selective use of facts or outright falsehoods, symbolized by an ace of spades, a card signifying treachery;

Band Wagon: a claim that everyone like us thinks this way, symbolized by a marching bandleader's hat and baton;

Testimonial: the association of a respected or hated person with an idea, symbolized by a seal and ribbon stamp of approval;

Plain Folks: a technique whereby the idea and its proponents are linked to "people just like you and me," symbolized by an old shoe;

Transfer: an assertion of a connection between something valued or hated and the idea or commodity being discussed, symbolized by a smiling Greek theater mask; and

Glittering Generalities: associations of something with a "virtue word" to gain approval without examining the evidence; symbolized by a sparkling gem. (Institute for Propaganda Analysis. 1939)

and somebody added an eighth: Fear.

bb

[smoked trout]

and somebody added an eighth: Fear.

I think fear can just be included in the use of emotions, whether it be fear, disgust, empathy, etc. Symbolized by a skull and cross-bones or a bleeding heart.

[taman]

And with a "proper mix" of most of the above, you get demonization or de-humanization.

Just got a chance to gleen the link UD, looks interesting, will review it more thoroughly later

Thanks,

T

[jrhvball]

Symbols, Snipery and Spectacles

Name Calling: hanging a bad label on an idea, symbolized by a hand turning thumbs down;

Card Stacking: selective use of facts or outright falsehoods, symbolized by an ace of spades, a card signifying treachery;

Band Wagon: a claim that everyone like us thinks this way, symbolized by a marching bandleader's hat and baton;

Testimonial: the association of a respected or hated person with an idea, symbolized by a seal and ribbon stamp of approval;

Plain Folks: a technique whereby the idea and its proponents are linked to "people just like you and me," symbolized by an old shoe;

Transfer: an assertion of a connection between something valued or hated and the idea or commodity being discussed, symbolized by a smiling Greek theater mask; and

Glittering Generalities: associations of something with a "virtue word" to gain approval without examining the evidence; symbolized by a sparkling gem. (Institute for Propaganda Analysis. 1939)

and somebody added an eighth: Fear.

bb

Wow, is this the Repug party platform?

[baghdad bob]

Wow, is this the Repug party platform?

grin award:



bb

[Nobody1]

Wow, is this the Repug party platform?

No. It's you and you far left fringe groupies.

[taman]

OK UD/BB, I read the link in it's entirety.

Although I certainly take no issue with the portions that you posted, I do have some qualms with the overall thesis.

1) The examples used are a bit out of balance. The author used examples that typically are assosciated with the(extreme and not so extreme) "right/conservative" end of the spectrum. Nazis, skinheads, pro-gun groups, corporations, Evangelicals and racists.

The only possible exception may be the refference to seat belts, but in a subtle way that could also be interpreted as government overstepping it's proper bounds. (there is that Libertarian part of me coming out again)

Could that possibly be an example of

Transfer: an assertion of a connection between something valued or hated and the idea or commodity being discussed, symbolized by a smiling Greek theater mask

?

Subtle message: Only conservatives/fascists/bigots use propaganda.

(Would propaganda in a paper about propaganda be meta propaganda? )

2)

Activists against racism, sexism and annihilism can use these same tools for their own benefit.......In addition, for activists in America, it is critical to pay attention to the power of the "cult of personality" in presenting a persuasive argument for a cause.

Is this an implication that intellectual dishonesty, manipulation and use of propaganda is acceptable if your cause is just? Don't mistake me, I certainly support fighting racism etc., but in a hypothetical sense, would not most people that are active in a cause believe that their cause was just.

Interestng read though. Once again, thanks for the info.

T

[Vihsadas]

It was a good read. Taking simply that part that you posted in your post, I like it. It is another way of stating the "logic fallacies" and "improper debating tactics" that are outlined in the stickies...I may just add those.

[baghdad bob]

It was a good read. Taking simply that part that you posted in your post, I like it. It is another way of stating the "logic fallacies" and "improper debating tactics" that are outlined in the stickies...I may just add those.

to bad you didn't post this about 45 minutes sooner. i've been hunting for the thread that inspired this one. it pretty much had it all. i'll let it collect dust in the archieves now.

thanks for catching my point and stop staring at me!

bb

[baghdad bob]

taman, i know your trying to get me to think on this but that would only give me a headache. i'll leave the analysis to you.

your welcome and thank you.

bb/ud

[taman]

taman, i know your trying to get me to think on this but that would only give me a headache. i'll leave the analysis to you.

your welcome and thank you.

bb/ud

Actually, I have little doubt that you think for yourself on anything you post

My comments were more for those who may tend to read something, decide it is "right" because it validates some aspect of their beliefs/opinions (more emotonal than rational) and not give it a second thought. You know, like some of the stupid crap I used to (or should that be "still occaisionally") post when I first started to hang out here.

Also, my initial brief comment in this thread stated I would review it more closely at a later time so I wanted to follow through on that.

Lastly, I want to re-state that I have no issue with the portion that you posted or even the portions of the thesis that deal strictly with identifying propaganda tactics. We are all better served by having the ability to recognize these tactics in our "toolbox" .

Thanks again,

T