Basically, this handout goes to talk about propaganda, and the fact that it is merely a form of persuasion. This, in theory, is absolutely correct. Unfortunately however, like communism, the idea is so legitimate despite humanity not being collectively at a mature enough point to utilize it. As you read further, you're provided with an extensive and detailed list regarding the more common/effective tactics that a propagandist would attempt to employ. As mentioned before; in a perfect world, propaganda wouldn't exist. People would be arguing based off passion, conviction, morals, and solid, unbiased evidence. Unfortunately, (AGAIN as aforementioned) that isn't our world, and those aren't the majority of people's motivation when they wish to start such a conflict.
In everyday life I see propaganda, such as last night: I was with a couple friends of mine, Matt and John. we were skating around a commuter parking lot at 11pm or so, just taking it easy. Matt and John are both pretty good on a board, but perhaps not quite good enough for this particular spot in the lot. Of course, Matt volunteers John to attempt it, and John is hesitant. Matt recognizes this and puts the pressure on (albeit, in a friendly and respectful way) by throwing things like "John, you know you want to. Your ollie was looking really really good back there, I bet you'd nail it." Naturally, John gets encouraged and pumped, even though there was no remotely factual evidence that just because Matt was impressed by his ollies, that he had any better chance in his own mind of landing the jumps. He goes through and does it, not really messing up too bad, but not quite nailing it. Propaganda was the driving force behind those particular actions though, and that would be my point.
In theory, propaganda could be social section of persuasion that accomplished many honorable and worthwhile things, because it's a very powerful set of ideas that really do have the potential to reach into the hearts and minds of many... but therein lies the key; let us appeal to the hearts and minds of the people in that honorable and worthwhile way, while instead the average propagandist will fuel his agenda with people's ignorance, hate, impatience and power lust. In a perfect world I suppose.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Ch. 1 and 2
Chapter 1
chapter one had some interesting ideas. The guy who was talking about national ID cards had some very sound logic. I particularly was interested in the story about the muslim woman Sultana. She was fighting on the premise, that it was primarily a card to ensure one's legal ability to drive, and only secondarily serving as identification in certain situations. The DMV however, ran on the idea that as a Florida citizen, she was required, like everyone else, to remove extra coverings from their heads.
Chapter 2
This chapter was suprising of course, but also very thought provoking. The debate on pornography is an extremely abstract battle. Many can hardly even think of a definition for what is "porn" literally. If this isn't figured out, you can't clearly define boundaries between art or porn, cute childhood photograph or pedophile goldmine. For such a silly and crude subject like porn, it's an extremely expansive, politically charged moral interrogation.
chapter one had some interesting ideas. The guy who was talking about national ID cards had some very sound logic. I particularly was interested in the story about the muslim woman Sultana. She was fighting on the premise, that it was primarily a card to ensure one's legal ability to drive, and only secondarily serving as identification in certain situations. The DMV however, ran on the idea that as a Florida citizen, she was required, like everyone else, to remove extra coverings from their heads.
Chapter 2
This chapter was suprising of course, but also very thought provoking. The debate on pornography is an extremely abstract battle. Many can hardly even think of a definition for what is "porn" literally. If this isn't figured out, you can't clearly define boundaries between art or porn, cute childhood photograph or pedophile goldmine. For such a silly and crude subject like porn, it's an extremely expansive, politically charged moral interrogation.
About Me
Well.. my name is Jared Hornaday.
This is my second year at NOVA... it's not so bad. My degree is for gen-ed because I have no idea where I want to transfer to. I've always liked english most throughout school so I'd say I'm enjoying/will keep enjoying our class. Uhhh... so I drum, and have been for about 6 years now, its gnarly. Also, I've been playing rugby since I was 11, so for about 8 years now.. roughly 10 or 11 seasons. I try to keep myself working out.. running... junk like that. Finally, just like the rest of you who'll be reading this.. I chill with friends... relax on my own... meet new people...... "attend get togethers...", same old.
I've always loved argument, logic, objectivity, and analyzing people's reasoning and thought processes, so I'm down for what we'll be learning in class. Unfortunately, it's just as easy for me to say that the fact I'll be studying someone elses ideas and arguments kind of turns me off to the whole course plan... but we'll manage. I'm also excited for an odd reason, one I've never really believed before. I'm excited because I can actually take what I learn in this class and apply it in my own relationships... I'm pretty solid with this whole idea already, but there's no harm in learning the details I guess.
I'd say these blogs are pretty cool. It's like a network of online journals that other people can ready, because everyone knows how tempting someone else's journals can be. Anyway, it's a great way to network a lot of different ideas at once. Usually you're sitting around starbucks with a friend or three, and you only have those few opportunities for an intellectual conversation (or not, if you like :) ) but with a cyberspace full of people to learn from/about, you can really get a lot figured out around you. So basically; the class is cool, the theory seems interesting, annnddd I actually hated writing this blog because i think explaining a human being in words is as hopeless as describing color to a blind man.
ok... bye
This is my second year at NOVA... it's not so bad. My degree is for gen-ed because I have no idea where I want to transfer to. I've always liked english most throughout school so I'd say I'm enjoying/will keep enjoying our class. Uhhh... so I drum, and have been for about 6 years now, its gnarly. Also, I've been playing rugby since I was 11, so for about 8 years now.. roughly 10 or 11 seasons. I try to keep myself working out.. running... junk like that. Finally, just like the rest of you who'll be reading this.. I chill with friends... relax on my own... meet new people...... "attend get togethers...", same old.
I've always loved argument, logic, objectivity, and analyzing people's reasoning and thought processes, so I'm down for what we'll be learning in class. Unfortunately, it's just as easy for me to say that the fact I'll be studying someone elses ideas and arguments kind of turns me off to the whole course plan... but we'll manage. I'm also excited for an odd reason, one I've never really believed before. I'm excited because I can actually take what I learn in this class and apply it in my own relationships... I'm pretty solid with this whole idea already, but there's no harm in learning the details I guess.
I'd say these blogs are pretty cool. It's like a network of online journals that other people can ready, because everyone knows how tempting someone else's journals can be. Anyway, it's a great way to network a lot of different ideas at once. Usually you're sitting around starbucks with a friend or three, and you only have those few opportunities for an intellectual conversation (or not, if you like :) ) but with a cyberspace full of people to learn from/about, you can really get a lot figured out around you. So basically; the class is cool, the theory seems interesting, annnddd I actually hated writing this blog because i think explaining a human being in words is as hopeless as describing color to a blind man.
ok... bye
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