Leap 3: Propaganda Inquiry

#propaganda #information #educate #proptools #com416

This meme should serve as a reminder that not all propaganda seems bad on the surface, using an image of an NFT Trump sold shortly after his departure from office, but when politicians put themselves on a pedestal without a ladder, you should always trust what your gut tells you about them! Make informed and educated decisions, and don't let yourself be told what's real and what’s not.

Essay Summary:

Essay Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z4Fon-aX833JYxtI5_Hee8E69rpCiRn_IM9kAovr9dw/edit?usp=sharing

My essay explores the realm of propaganda in this course through five key insights: journalism’s role, election propaganda (with a focus on Trump’s campaign and meme politics), the manipulation of patriotism, the symbiotic relationship between conspiracy theories and propaganda, and the portrayal of terrorism as a form of propaganda. The essay begins with an acknowledgment of the initially underestimated complexity of propaganda, as many most likely agree, emphasizing the need to look for hidden meanings in seemingly harmless information.

Journalism’s role in propaganda is looked at, revealing the fine line between information dissemination and manipulation. The example of Kellyanne Conway’s use of “alternative facts” highlights how language can be manipulated to present subjective versions of reality, blurring the lines between unbiased reporting and persuasive storytelling.

The essay then shifts to election propaganda, unraveling the integration of meme politics in Trump’s 2016 campaign. The course sheds light on how memes became powerful tools for conveying political messages and shaping public opinion, especially among the youth.

Patriotism comes through as a double-edged sword where genuine love for one’s country becomes entangled in political messaging. The coursework highlights David Young’s article on viewing the American flag as a threat, showcasing the manipulation of patriotic symbols for propagandist purposes.

Conspiracy theories, with a focus on QAnon, illustrate their potential to shape public opinion and tear people apart. The coursework emphasizes the importance of media literacy in navigating an information landscape where misinformation can gain traction.

The final example is a recent one course-wise, looking at terrorism as a form of propaganda, made more powerful by the Paris Massacre. The essay looks at how tragic events can be strategically used to shape global narratives, emphasizing the need for a vigilant approach to information consumption.

All in all, the essay emphasizes that propaganda is always around in daily life, shaping public perceptions and societal narratives. Understanding the way information is disseminated is crucial for a more informed future. Hopefully, in the future, people will have a more cautious and questioning approach to information consumption, finding a balance between propaganda and genuine knowledge.