Propaganda Techniques of the Stars

1. Propaganda Techniques of the Stars

2. Propaganda Defined • The spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person. • Ummmmm…what? • In other words…

3. Why Use Propaganda? • To sell stuff. • To convince people to do something. • To encourage people to support an idea.

5. What is Effective Propaganda? • Changes someone’s mind toward the advertised product / belief. • If you feel the sudden urge to buy a new mop or something you “just don’t need,” that is probably strong propaganda!

7. Bandwagon • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • Everybody’s in favor of it…so why don’t you • Join the crowd…everyone’s doing it

8. Plain Folks • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending their message through…. • Images of simple, down-to-earth people…just like you and me. • If these ordinary people buy this stuff, I should too!

9. Snob Appeal • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • Only the richest, most important, or most discerning people like this idea or product. • If one buys the product, clearly he or she is among the “elite.”

10. Transfer • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • If one buys the product, he or she will be similar to the celebrity in that commercial. • He or she can “be like Mike.” • It relates a product to something people like (or dislike) and “transfers” that feeling to the new thing OR • It uses symbols to accomplish purposes for which they were not intended

11. Michael Phelps Apolo Anton Ohno Michael Jordan

12. Testimonials • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • If a famous person uses the product, then it is good enough for me! • I love that celebrity. If he or she loves the product, then I will too!

13. Emotional Appeals • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • Play on people’s emotions and promote the advertised idea. • Usually rely on evoking fear of a perceived enemy.

14. Card Stacking • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • Distort or omit facts • Tell half-truths.

15. Name Calling • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending their message through…. • Stereotyping ideas or people with a bad label.

16. Demonizing • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • The enemy is purely evil, menacing, and aggressive. • Removes all ambiguity as to whom the public should hate. • Enemy may be portrayed as a hairy beast or the devil himself.

19. Glittering Generalities • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message through the use of…. • “Good” labels • democratic, patriotic, amazing, beautiful, and exciting • Are unsupported by facts.

20. Catchy Slogans • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message through…. • Memorable phrases that unite a group. • For example, “Remember the Alamo” or “Remember the Maine.” • “Just Do It”

23. Patriotic Appeal • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • Doing so is a patriotic act. • If one is a true patriot or loyal to his or her country, he or she would buy the product.

25. Humor or Caricatures • The advertiser encourages one to buy their “product” by sending the message that…. • Involve the use of humor. • The enemy is the “butt” of jokes.