Shaping Public Opinion

The 7 Types of Propaganda

What is Public Opinion?

• Point of view about an issue held by a large number of people

• Can have a great influence on our government leaders

What does “Public

Opinion” have to do with

politics and government?• Candidates often try to learn public opinion in

order to be elected• Elected officials use public opinion to “keep up

with the people”.

How can public opinion be shaped and changed…?

By the use of…

What is Propaganda?

• Methods used to influence public opinion…

• We are going to talk about 7 types of propaganda. –Then you will have a chance to test your ability to

find the different propaganda devices at work.

Attempt to convince others that “everyone is doing something”, and they “should do it too.”

Bandwagon

Card Stacking

• Present your side of the story

• Downplay or completely ignore the other side.

Glittering Generalities

• Use positive, general terms that everyone can identify and agree with…

“Peace”

“Freedom”

“Justice”

Name Calling

• Playing into the fears of people by labeling others with negative names…

“Mudslinging” and “Attack Ads”

“Plain Folks”

• Gain the support of the “common people” by trying to appear just as they are…

Testimonial

• Use a famous person to support a candidate or product.

“Transfer”• Use positive symbols to support an issue or candidate

• Symbols are associated with issue or candidate