A Proper Gander at Propaganda

Edward Filene, in 1937, created the Institute of Propaganda Analysis to educate the American public. There are seven main techniques, which are:

• Name Calling
• Glittering Generalities
• Transfer
• Testimonial
• Plain Folk
• Card Stacking
• Bandwagon

Wikipedia also has a detailed article on propaganda techniques which expands the list to include many more logical fallacies. For simplicity's sake we'll stick the the first seven. 

These are techniques used often for advertisements (of any kind) as they tend to impact people and manipulate the audience into investing into the advertiser. This investment can be with votes, money, whatever.

Let's take a look now at one of Ron Paul's presidential campaign ads*:

This video has examples of name calling, glittering generalities, transfer, card stacking, and band wagon. Only testimonial and plain folk weren't used.

Name Calling: Members of the current administration, namely Obama, were clearly associated with current debt crisis. There was no exploration of cause and effect, but a pairing of very negative trends with the incumbent.

Card Stacking: The video was set up to lead a viewer to believe the more spending is a bad thing, and less a good thing. While there is nothing wrong with that viewpoint, no reasoning was provided to support it, instead stating the information as a blind fact.

Transfer: The Statue of Liberty (an obvious symbol for freedom, American values, etc.) were coupled with both Ron Paul's name, and the Balanced Budget promise he is running under. Association with himself to values most Americans can agree to, regardless of party affiliation is another logical fallacy.

Band wagon: Simple. This is more subtle. This fallacy creates the illusion of widespread support, urging people to join in with the rest, to not "stand out". Imagery of Ron Paul at the end in front of crowds of avid supporters creates the feel that everybody wants him next.

Glittering Generalities: "Restore America Now" is a prime example. What American citizen wouldn't want America restored? It doesn't say much as to Ron Paul's qualifications. "Compromise or Conviction" also resonates with Christian values (which is an important demographic to get votes from) as Conviction is generally seen as favorably looked upon thing, although usually in a different context.


All that's left to do now is ditch the ad campaigns and do some real research before voting later this year!

*This isn't meant to pick specifically at Ron Paul, or to show any sort of political preferences. His ad, among all the others, is equally guilty of utilizing propaganda techniques.