August 23,2011
By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter
Propaganda, the most powerful tool used by politicians, advertisers, and special interest groups to help influence the opinions, emotions and behavior of their target audience.
Ever wonder how vulnerable you are to propaganda?
Can you spot propaganda when you see it?
Many of us can recognize the use of propaganda in slick television commercials, magazine ads, and cereal boxes.
But, can you spot propaganda used by politicians?
Think carefully about the stories covered on the cable news shows. The type of articles published in the newspapers and magazines.
Instead of reporting legitimate news, they often use propaganda that benefit the politician(s) they are supporting.
PROPAGANDA IN BOLINGBROOK
Ever analyze the type of news reported in Bolingbrook?
The Village of Bolingbrook has 2 local papers (The Bolingbrook Bugle and Bolingbrook Reporter), one community website (Bolingbrook Patch), and several watchdog sites (The Number Crunchers – Bolingbrook, and Bolingbrook Report).
The BB Bugle, Reporter and Patch have been criticized for publishing “soft” articles that are pro-government. The articles lack substance and real investigative reporting.
Critics of the watchdog sites, have accused The Number Crunchers-Bolingbrook of publishing articles that “nit-pick”, and are bias against Mayor Claar and The First Party.
The Bolingbrook Report has been accused of publishing exaggerations, and false information to embarrass the current administration.
Which media source should you trust?
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Where do you go to get the local news?
Which of the 5 media sources (in Bolingbrook) provide the most accurate and substantive information to the public?
The best way to determine the quality of news, and avoid being a victim of propaganda is to ask lots of questions, and do some critical thinking of your own.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE PROPAGANDA
According to The Institute of Propaganda Analysis (established in 1938), there are 7 basic propaganda devices. Most often used by politicians, advertisers and special interest.
- Name Calling
- Glittering Generality
- Transfer
- Testimonial
- Plain Folks
- Card Stacking
- Band Wagon
Also note, our volunteers have been on the receiving end of propagandist attacks. In fact, we’ve identified 3 tactics commonly used by Bolingbrook politicians and critics.
- Name Calling
- Band Wagon
- Glittering Generalities
CONDUCT YOUR OWN STUDY
The next time you read an article from one of the 5 local media sources (including The Number Crunchers-Bolingbrook), be sure to ask yourself the following questions:
- What’s the main point?
- Who’s benefitting from the story? Ethically, the story should benefit the reader.
- What are the facts supporting the main point?
- Which (if any) of the 7 propaganda tactics were used?
The 2012 general election is just around the corner, and the 2013 local elections will quickly follow. Why not get a jump start on the elections by learning as much as you can about propaganda.
Click on the link below to learn more about propaganda techniques, and view the propaganda videos.
PROPAGANDA VIDEOS
PROPAGANDACRITIC.COM
CLICK TO SHARE YOUR PROPAGANDA COMMENTS
