Propaganda


 * Building a Dictatorship **

===//**Propaganda is the manipulation and control of language. Propaganda transmits more than one message, depending on what the recipient wants to hear or is told to hear. It is an essential part of a successful totalitarian regime, yet is also widespread in every country in the world. Examine the media of today for examples of propaganda that fall into the following categories. **//===


 * euphemism – **use of words to soften the true meaning; “not a food reduction but a readjustment;” “recyclable container” (but only if you take it to the recycling center).
 * oversimplification ** – simplification covers the true meaning; “made from recycled paper” (but only 10%)
 * bandwagon **- do something everyone else is  doing; when environmentalism became a household word, companies all over the world suddenly became “green.”
 * Internal contradiction ** – one part of a statement contradicts another part; “You don’t have to take the final exam, but you won’t pass the course.”
 * Faulty cause-and-effect reasoning ** – no logical cause is given or known for the effect; “NIKE Air makes you jump higher.”
 * Begging the question – **avoid answering the question by skirting the issue; often used by politicians at press conferences


 * //For a dictator to take control, in addition to effective propaganda, other elements must be present. Examine this list of elements and in preparation for discussion, find examples in various forms of media. //**


 * <span style="font-family: 'Eras Medium ITC','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">supporters **<span style="font-family: 'Eras Medium ITC','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;"> – The masses must be behind the leader and feel that his or her new ideas will make a real difference in their lives
 * <span style="font-family: 'Eras Medium ITC','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">Ignorance of followers **<span style="font-family: 'Eras Medium ITC','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;"> - It’s important that the followers and supporters of the leader not be too educated. They must follow blindly and without question.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Eras Medium ITC','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">Scapegoat – **<span style="font-family: 'Eras Medium ITC','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">There must be someone or something to blame for all of the bad conditions the leader wants to eradicate. Usually it is the leadership in power. Later, any problems which arise can be blamed on the scapegoat.