Widely used during World War II, propaganda is a form of communication that is mainly used to attempt to persuade an audience or someone towards a specific idea. The United States military would hang posters, one of the most popular being Uncle Sam, to attempt to recruit young men to fight in the army. They would also release comic strips, such as Captain America, to further push people to join the draft. On the other hand, Nazi, Germany would use propaganda to further push the idea that large groups such as the Jews deserved to be prosecuted. As one can see, propaganda can be used in a good light, supporting and pushing for one to defend their country. On the contrary, it can also be used to support heinous and awful acts of violence. Ultimately, it's use in history has worked, and even until this day it remains relevant in politics and communication tactics.
Whether it used for good or bad, it's success throughout history cannot go unnoticed. Now in a day of advanced technology, the use of propaganda has expanded past just comic strips and posters. TV shows, commercials, billboards, and local ads are just some examples of how propaganda has expanded to meet present day technologies and communicational tactics. However, the basic premiss behind propaganda still resides within the seven different types of propaganda; name-calling, glittering generalities, transfer, testimonial, plain-folk, card stacking, and bandwagon.
The first type of propaganda used is name-calling. Name-calling propaganda is the idea that by giving a negative name to a group of people, it will cause an audience to resent and have harsh feelings towards said group. One example of this is during the Rwandan Genocide, when people would refer to the Tutsi as "cockroaches" on the radio. Because the Tutsi were continuously being called a bad name, they were desensitized.
The next type of propaganda is glittering generalities. This type of propaganda uses words that stand out to the audience. An example of this could be applying important values within one's society to a political run.
Next is transfer device, which refers to referring as oneself or a group as an "integral part of a larger cause". An example of this could be communists referring to themselves as a "peoples democracy" during the Soviet Union era.
Another type of propaganda is testimonial. Testimonial propaganda is involving someone's name who is seen in the public eye as distinguished or knowledgeable. Many commercials may feature a doctor talking about why a certain medicine works and why it would be effective.
The fifth type of propaganda is plain-folk. Extensively used by politicians, they claim they are the exact same as other people, with the same ideas and rules. An example of this is just a simple politician saying he came from the same background that others do.
Next is card stacking propaganda. Card stacking is a technique used by people in which true facts are split with facts that better suit the propagandist. An example of this is a politician giving a speech and changing the story to make themself look better.
Finally, the last type is known as bandwagon propaganda. In this type, the idea is presented that since other people are doing it, than you should be doing it as well. One can think of the term "bandwagon" when thinking about sports, because it used to describe someone who only roots for the winningest team.
As one can see, the seven different types of propaganda have been used all throughout history and each portray a unique twist on the communication tactic. The use of propaganda has been very effective, and will forever be used to further appeal to audiences.
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