Propaganda for Essay 1

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.