Propaganda

[[file:WW1 Propaganda.txt]]
media type="file" key="WW1 Propaganda.mp3" width="240" height="20"

Propaganda
Propaganda is a specific type of message presentation aimed at serving an agenda. At its root, the meaning of propaganda is 'to propagate (actively spread) a philosophy or point of view'. History textbooks for this course put forth a point of view that some consider to be propaganda. They aren't asking you to hate anyone, or go to war against anyone, but they do want to show Canada in the best possible way, often ignoring or glossing over problems in our history.  The most common use of the term (historically) is in political contexts; in particular to refer to certain efforts sponsored by governments or political groups. (Wikipedia)  Each of the nations which participated in World War One from 1914-18 used propaganda posters.

 They used posters to:  Justify their involvement to their own people  As a means of recruiting men  A way to raise money and resources to sustain the military campaign.  To urge conservation (not to use too much, to help the war effort)

 Why Posters?
 Television had not yet been invented  Not everyone owned or had access to a radio  Posters were the most effective means of getting a message across Movies were silent films, and not common everywhere

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">**examples of these on the Smart Board as we discuss them. We'll do our best to describe them accurately as well. <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> Propaganda uses Seven Tricks to get their message across:

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> __Name Calling__: hanging a bad label on an idea, symbolized by a hand turning thumbs down;
===<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> __Card Stacking__: The Propagandist uses this technique to make the best case possible for his side and the worst for the opposing viewpoint by carefully using only those facts that support his or her side of the argument while attempting to lead the audience into accepting the facts as a conclusion. ===

===<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> __Band Wagon__: Propagandists use this technique to persuade the audience to follow the crowd. This device creates the impression of widespread support. It reinforces the human desire to be on the winning side. ===

===<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> __Testimonial__: Propagandists use this technique to associate a respected person or someone with experience to endorse a product or cause by giving it their stamp of approval hoping that the intended audience will follow their example. ===

===<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> __Plain Folks__: Propagandists use this approach to convince the audience that the spokesperson is from humble origins, someone they can trust and who has their interests at heart. ===

===<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> __Transfer__: a technique used to carry over the authority and approval of something we respect and revere to something the propagandist would have us accept. Propagandists often employ symbols (e.g., waving the flag) to stir our emotions and win our approval. ===

===<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> __Glittering Generality__: Propagandists employ vague, sweeping statements (often slogans or simple catchphrases) using language associated with values and beliefs deeply held by the audience without providing supporting information or reason. They appeal to such notions as honor, glory, love of country, desire for peace, freedom, and family values. ===

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">What emotions does this poster play on? (read below for text) <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> TO THE WOMEN OF CANADA
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> 1. You have read what the Germans have done in Belgium. Have you thought what they would do if they invaded this Country? <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> 2. Do you realize that the safety of your home and children depends on our getting more men NOW? <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> 3. Do you realize that the one word "GO" from you may send another man to fight for our King and Country? <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> 4. When the War is over and someone asks your husband or your son what he did in the great War, is he to hang his head because you would not let him go?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">Watch the following for a little more clarification.... <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">Propaganda in WW1 Video 1