EOTO #2 Propaganda

 What is propaganda? My first memory of this term sparks memories of early childhood history class. Propaganda, by definition, is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. Majority of my studies when it has come to propaganda has been about its use when it comes to war. Even in the first starting days of the United States, propaganda has been used in every significant war. The most significant usage of propaganda during war time had to of been during the second world war. Those infamous cartoons of Uncle Sam telling you to do your part always resonates when I hear propaganda. 

But in current events, the big use of propaganda in the use of the United States had to be in the last election. Since this is the era of social media, propaganda was everywhere, whether you wanted it or not. Due to everyone's history now being tracked wherever they go on the web, parties knew where their audiences were and how to target them. A lot of propaganda used in the last election seeded false election theories. The misinformation and propaganda used during these events helped lead to the capitol riots on January 6th, 2021. 

The overall stigma of propaganda has never had the best tone. Personally, I really only think of propaganda being used during wartime. In those times, I think it is essential to try and rally your country behind you, so the use of it is essential. I am also very patriotic in those terms. But again, by definition, propaganda is information that is usually biased. The main implications of propaganda are getting people behind your cause, even if it is wrong or untrue. In times of war, I believe propaganda is good for a country's morale. But when it came to propaganda used during the last election, it did nothing but tear our country apart. Not only were we getting propaganda from within our country, but thoughts and accusations of outside propaganda from Russia have been highly debated. Russia says it did not interfere with our last election. Do I believe that personally? No. 

As a whole, the term and use of propaganda is negative. I believe everyone should come up with their own opinion on matters through strictly data driven processes. But sadly, that will never be a true outcome. People will always want you to do what they want you to do, especially when it comes to politics. Furthermore, the whole use for propaganda is to target different audiences. When it comes the segments that are hit the hardest with propaganda have to be people who are in poverty, minorities, and the young. Propaganda, in my opinion, preys on the weak. People who are indecisive, people who are just taking answers rather than looking. So it’s use can be lethal in getting someone to believe something you want them too. War propaganda in wartime for the United States usually effects me. I am a fond supporter of our troops so that is why it hits me hard. But when it comes to political propaganda, I am alwasy wary. In terms of my family, the same goes for them. They were wary of the latest propaganda used in the last elections. How has propaganda affected my last generation? We’ll, I believe it has a detrimental impact on us. From social media, we are getting fed thousands of different opinions and beliefs. We must be careful on the information we digest. Make sure it’s from an accredited resource. But as social media continues to grow and change, only time will tell how we deal with the future of propaganda as a country.  

How Misinformation ‘Superspreaders’ Seed False Election Theories - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Propaganda - Wikipedia