Another thread on the concept of propaganda

[Superhobo]

I'm becoming interested in this, the entire notion of propaganda, and what moral conundrums it brings up. Like, for example, what is the distinction between propaganda and information? Can both be one and the same? Is all propaganda bad, or is what I call 'good propaganda' something else entirely (and if so, what?)? Is it still propaganda if it doesn't benefit the propagandist? How does one make the distinctions?


What are your views?

 

[Bill]

I'm becoming interested in this, the entire notion of propaganda, and what moral conundrums it brings up. Like, for example, what is the distinction between propaganda and information? Can both be one and the same? Is all propaganda bad, or is what I call 'good propaganda' something else entirely (and if so, what?)? Is it still propaganda if it doesn't benefit the propagandist? How does one make the distinctions?


What are your views?

Propaganda is information with an agenda.

 

[Superhobo]

Propaganda is information with an agenda.

Well, yeah. But, read what I said.

 

[carrrnuttt]

This thread quotes precise analysis of what is and what isn't "propaganda": http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=272048

Propaganda can be used for good, but more often than not, those that would resort to propaganda rather than honest truth, is not what you'd consider "good".

 

[Superhobo]

This thread quotes precise analysis of what is and what isn't "propaganda": http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=272048

Propaganda can be used for good, but more often than not, those that would resort to propaganda rather than honest truth, is not what you'd consider "good".

Ah, thanks for the link.

 

[Bill]

Well, yeah. But, read what I said.

Propaganda is a tool, sure. It can be used in a constructive or destructive way. I think that the idea of propaganda is morally wrong in that you are deliberate using misleading(which could be true, but being selective) or dishonest information to manipulate the audience for the intent of the propagandist. The intent may be good or bad, but that is usually from the viewpoint of the propaganist and those with like minds. In any case, you are employing a tool to manipulate. Bad.

 

[Superhobo]

Propaganda is a tool, sure. It can be used in a constructive or destructive way. I think that the idea of propaganda is morally wrong in that you are deliberate using misleading(which could be true, but being selective) or dishonest information to manipulate the audience for the intent of the propagandist. The intent may be good or bad, but that is usually from the viewpoint of the propaganist and those with like minds. In any case, you are employing a tool to manipulate. Bad.

Well, then it comes down to using common sense, and deciding what is right and what is wrong. It's become decidedly harder to use propaganda now, in recent times, because people aren't the drones they were in the thirties, forties, and fifties.

 

[Superhobo]

So, would you call "V for Vendetta," or "Nineteen-eighty four" propaganda?

 

[ShadowBoxing]

Propoganda can be good. However usually when the word is used it has a negative connotation.

 

[Bill]

So, would you call "V for Vendetta," or "Nineteen-eighty four" propaganda?

Well, those are dystopian viewpoints. The authors are presenting their viewpoints on what may happen if current trends continue, but you would have to ask them or decide for yourself if their intent was to manipulate. I am sure they were attempting to evoke a response, but perhaps only to make you think.

 

[Superhobo]

What I'm wondering is, is it still propaganda if it doesn't directly benefit the author in some way, as that's the one of the main points of propaganda. Nevermind the "agenda," because that can mean different things to different people. People thought Ferngully and Happy Feet were 'environmentalist agenda" movies, but what can you say?

 

[AhabTheArab]

Well, then it comes down to using common sense, and deciding what is right and what is wrong. It's become decidedly harder to use propaganda now, in recent times, because people aren't the drones they were in the thirties, forties, and fifties.

hahahahahaha, when you come to the real world, i will welcome you. oh and as to your 'happy feet' example, its called subliminal messaging, its somewhat different i guess, its easy to point out in a lot of movies, but sometimes its twisted by some people.

 

[Superhobo]

hahahahahaha, when you come to the real world, i will welcome you. oh and as to your 'happy feet' example, its called subliminal messaging, its somewhat different i guess, its easy to point out in a lot of movies, but sometimes its twisted by some people.

Well, no. I was talking about the whole environmental slant of the film in general (that I myself have nothing wrong with), that pundits and mediamen went crazy over, declaring it environmentalist and therefore liberal propaganda.

What are some examples of subliminal messaging? I probably know what you mean, but refresh me.

 

[ShadowBoxing]

What I'm wondering is, is it still propaganda if it doesn't directly benefit the author in some way, as that's the one of the main points of propaganda. Nevermind the "agenda," because that can mean different things to different people. People thought Ferngully and Happy Feet were 'environmentalist agenda" movies, but what can you say?

Never seen either, but they could be propoganda, just as much as Bush standing on a air craft carrier that says "mission accomplished" is propoganda. However propoganda can take many forms, it's not necessarily easy to pin down...however, as I say, usually when use in vernacular it's referring to something that is presenting an unwanted message.

 

[Superhobo]

Never seen either, but they could be propoganda, just as much as Bush standing on a air craft carrier that says "mission accomplished" is propoganda. However propoganda can take many forms, it's not necessarily easy to pin down...however, as I say, usually when use in vernacular it's referring to something that is presenting an unwanted message.

Well, true. I think the original meaning is something not a lot of people use, or are familiar with. All they know is old wartime "Slap A Jap" propaganda, you know?

 

[Addendum]

I always thought that propaganda generally meant "a government approved message"

 

[Superhobo]

I always thought that propaganda generally meant "a government approved message"

Most of the time, but not all of it. What we're talkin' about now is what constitutes propaganda as a whole?

 

[Kritish]

Propoganda can be good. However usually when the word is used it has a negative connotation.

Care to give an example? I've always been a fan of letting people decide for themselves what's right.

 

[bullets]

propaganda is deception.

 

[Superhobo]

Care to give an example? I've always been a fan of letting people decide for themselves what's right.

The Surgeon General's Warning on cigarette packs?

 

[Kritish]

propaganda is deception.

No, by definition propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

 

[bullets]

whether good or bad it is ultimately deception.

 

[Kritish]

The Surgeon General's Warning on cigarette packs?

Cigarettes being linked to cancer isn't propaganda it's a simple warning. The Surgeon General doesn't include a little pamphlet about the evils of tobacco in each pack, if he did that would count as propaganda.

 

[Superhobo]

No, by definition propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

You got that from wikipedia, didn't you?

 

[bullets]

there is information and there is propaganda.