Propaganda and Doublespeak

Introduction

Propaganda is the advancement of a position or view in a manner that attempts to persuade rather than to present a balanced overview. Propaganda often carries the connotation of a government activity, although persuasive communications are, of course, regularly used in the private or voluntary sector. In the United States, one popular use of the concept of propaganda is to describe persuasive communications with which we are not in sympathy. If someone else does it, it might be described as propaganda, with negative connotations. If we do it, the communication will be designated in some other way (Ricks, pp. 525-531). Thus, the official vehicle for American overseas propaganda in World War I was called the Committee on Public Information. Propaganda, seeking to effect attitude change, can be contrasted with education, which seeks to communicate knowledge. The study of propaganda can be regarded as a branch of several larger fields, such as mass communication, mass persuasion, attitude change, and psychological warfare.

Thesis Statement

Propaganda and dopuble speak have a significant impact on the audience.

Discussion

The Institute for Propaganda Analysis was established before World War II in New York City by a number of academic scholars for the purpose of educating the general public in the techniques employed by the fascist countries in their proselytizing activities. Systemic content analysis was used by the Institute in its efforts to inform the American public about the menace of fascist propaganda. In addition, the Institute defined 11 propaganda techniques: selecting the issue, stacking the cards, simplification, name calling, glittering generalities, transfer, testimonials, plain folks, bandwagon, hot potato, and stalling. The scholars of the Institute believed that by identifying the mechanisms of foreign propaganda, its ability to influence Americans would be undercut. The assignment will discuss three techniques of propaganda, which are Glittering Generalities, Argumentum ad Hominem and False Dilemma. Furthermore, the assignment will also discuss the work of William Lutz “The World of Doublespeak”.

Glittering Generalities

The first propaganda that will be discussed is Glittering generalities. It refer to a technique of propaganda, which involves name-calling in reverse. The technique of name-calling involves the use of inappropriate connotations in words. On the other hand, glittering generalities incorporate the use of words which have good connotations. These are also called virtue words. Furthermore, the Institute for Propaganda Analysis describes that name-calling is a technique of propaganda, which makes people to reject and criticize a person or something without looking into the facts and evidence. On the other hand, glittering generalities attempt to make people accept and concur devoid of examination of the evidence. For instance, words such as “We believe in, fight for”, “justice,” “the American way,” are words of virtue. Such words of virtue are pleasant to the years. However, upon close examination, it is found that these words have no particular meanings. These words only make people happy or feel good. One of the examples is that of Senator Yakalot (Cross).

He incorporates the use of glittering generalities at times of addressing a large gathering. According to ...