In the earlier part of the 20th century propaganda made a massive impact on the public, both negative and positive, in fact such an impact The Institute for Propaganda Analysis (IPA) was launched in 1937. This organization was formed to inform the public about the methods of propaganda and how to stay open minded and not become victim to its influence no matter how powerful the message may be.
‘It is essential in a democratic society that young people and adults learn how to think, learn how to make up their minds. They must learn how to think independently, and they must learn how to think together. They must come to conclusions, but at the same time they must recognize the right of other men to come to opposite conclusions. So far as individuals are concerned, the art of democracy is the art of thinking and discussing independently together.’
Institute for Propaganda Analysis (1938)
Name calling is probably the most popular form of propaganda. This is when a political party or governing group take the attention of their intended ideas, and instead replaces it with hostile messages towards its opponents. Although displayed to the general public this propaganda has found to work best against an audience who already have a vendetta against a certain group it is trying to insult.
Another popular method of propaganda is transferring, which is basically associating the original intended message / idea with something that is more lighthearted and already in place / enjoyable. The most common form of this is adding religious ties with political messages. The most famous nation for this is America who have been quoted hundreds of times: “God Bless America.” This shows patriotism and also a strong faith in the major religion in that country. This appeals to the majority of the country so is used to deliver political messages in order to buffer the possibly disagreement that it will cause with the public choice and ideas.
Propaganda techniques are very simple, but can be very effective. They can range from a small play on words, or completely 'brainwashing' an audience. Some people say that Adolf Hitler was a brilliant propaganda creator as he released absolute masses of propaganda which made a majority of a nation vote him into office and respect and agree with his extreme ideologies. The most popular techniques used by propaganda however are, euphemisms, name-calling and 'glittering generalities.’
Image A
Image A is a WW2 German propaganda poster. This was aimed at the general German public. The text on the poster reads: ‘As hard as we fight for it, you should labour for victory.’ The German propaganda of WW2 was largely focusing on the national pride emotion, basically stating ‘be a patriot and fight / work for your country.’ This ran along the lines of the political ideas that Adolf Hitler enforced. It shows a German solider standing in front of what seems to be a battlefield. His stance also plays a large part in the impact of this poster as he is standing with his chest out holding a rifle or a grenade in his right hand. This implies strength and bravery suggesting that you too should be the same even if you’re not out fighting in the war. This would create a sense of pride to the audience of being part of the fight like the solider is.
Image B
Image B again is a German poster from WW2 which was aimed again at the general public. However, I find this poster very interesting as it is propagating propaganda. The text reads: ‘Whole Germany hears the Führer with the People's Receiver.’ The large radio in the middle of the image is surrounded by the German general public, all listening to the radio in almost a zombie like manor. This image plays on the emotion of feeling part of something, similar to Image A. The message that is written on the poster idolizes Adolf Hitler and semantically gives a message telling the public that it is very important to listen to your leader on the radio. Adolf Hitler was noted for his large use of radio propaganda, also broadcasting his speech which was delivered in the passion he was renowned for while giving a speech made it a exellent medium of persuasion.
Image C
Image C is a British WW2 poster. This poster goes for a more shock value, warning about German spies. It informs the public that they should not talk about military movements they may know about due to their relatives and friends being in the military, as it will be over heard and reported back to the German Intelligence. The colour scheme is a simple black and white, this helps represent the idea of death. The message of the poster is simple and straight forward, both in text and imagery.
Propaganda and advertising are very similar, but there is one thing that separates them both fundamentally. That is the use of gimmicks. Advertising has been known in the past and the present to use a certain phrase, or character in their adverts which does not have anything to do with the companies’ product, but soon becomes very popular and associated with the product its self, such as the Santa Claus that the Coca-Cola Company uses. But the majority of the time it is a humorous character(s) such as the “Phones 4 U” cast, who are very out of the ordinary and show no relation with the company at all yet they are all remembered.
Propaganda does not use such gimmicks but, they rely on more on the catchy phrases that are mass printed on posters in various designs. More popular ones where: “Loose lips sink ships,” and “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases.”
Propaganda is always around us in everyday life, it plays a mass role in what products we buy, what we like and what we don’t like. This amazing, almost brain washing tool is only down to messages and images that play on the publics emotions. It has been used for nearly 200 years and has crumbled nations and built nations. Propaganda is a powerful tool which can be used in anyway, with positive and negative effects.
REFERENCES / BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson R.A, Public Relations Writing: Principles in Practice (1996)
Wikipedia (2006 article modification)
Bernays E.L, Crystallizing Public Opinion (1923)
