Overview
This lecture covers common propaganda techniques used in persuasive texts, explains how to identify them, and discusses their impact on credibility and decision-making.
Importance of Evaluating Persuasive Texts
- Evaluating persuasive texts helps determine if information is clear, true, and trustworthy.
- Recognizing propaganda prevents manipulation and helps in making informed decisions.
Key Questions Addressed
- Differences between propaganda techniques and other persuasive techniques.
- Effects of propaganda on text credibility and trustworthiness.
- The power of media and advertising in shaping opinions.
Common Propaganda Techniques
Bandwagon
- Encourages people to join because "everyone else is doing it."
- Appeals to the desire to belong and not be left out, often used in ads and politics.
Glittering Generalities
- Uses vague, emotionally appealing words with no clear facts.
- Promises big results without specifics (e.g., "a brighter future," "unprecedented prosperity").
Transfer
- Links a product or person to respected symbols or figures to elicit trust.
- Uses national flags, celebrities, or happy families to create positive associations.
Testimonial
- Features celebrities, influencers, or experts endorsing a product.
- Relies on trust or admiration for the spokesperson.
Plain Folks
- Shows ordinary people using a product to make it seem relatable and practical.
- Targets families, students, and everyday consumers.
Name Calling
- Attacks competitors or opposing ideas with negative words or comparisons.
- Makes the alternative seem undesirable.
Card Stacking
- Presents only positive aspects of a product and hides the negatives.
- Leaves out potential risks or downsides.
Fear Appeal
- Uses threats, scary images, or warnings to prompt quick action.
- Common in safety, health, and anti-smoking campaigns.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Propaganda — Information or ideas designed to influence beliefs or actions, often by manipulating emotions rather than presenting facts.
- Bandwagon — Persuasion by suggesting “everyone is doing it.”
- Glittering Generalities — Use of attractive but vague statements lacking evidence.
- Transfer — Associating a product or idea with trusted symbols or people.
- Testimonial — Endorsement by a celebrity or expert.
- Plain Folks — Showing regular people to make something relatable.
- Name Calling — Discrediting others using negative language.
- Card Stacking — Selective presentation of positive information only.
- Fear Appeal — Persuasion through threats or fear.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of propaganda in ads, news, or social media.
- Prepare answers to the lesson’s key questions for class discussion.
- Practice identifying propaganda techniques in everyday media.