Erin Brown — Leap 3

Before I started this class, my knowledge on the topic of propaganda was very limited. If I thought of propaganda my brain immediately went to old war posters such as rosie the riveter or uncle sam. I also thought that propaganda normally had a negative intention behind it. Over this semester, I have learned more about propaganda than I ever thought I would. Every single lesson I enjoyed because it was so fascinating to me. But there were five insights that impacted me the most.

I learned about how propaganda and entertainment can intersect. I analyzed how entertainment can become propaganda through political cartoons, snl skits, even old movies like Agent Cody Banks. I also looked into the history of successful entertainment propaganda in Nazi Germany.

When many people think of propaganda they think of misinformation. I touched on how I learned misinformation can be spread through this class from the games created by Cambridge University. Another thing I knew a little bit about before this class was state sponsored propaganda but it was very interesting just to see how that is executed.

I also learned about how propaganda has intersected with education by banning books and course materials being provided as a way of propaganda. I learned more about the people behind banning books and why that is a form of censorship. I also researched the people who were behind the anti climate change books.

But my favorite part of this class was learning about the history of beneficial propaganda. I love art so it was so fun to me when I was researching about artists’ positive impact on society through their art.

Overall, I’m super happy that I chose to take this class and learn about things that I don’t think I would have otherwise. It challenged me to question my own industry of journalism and see the world around me in a new perspective. Even if that perspective was analyzing conspiracy theories while I was sitting in an airport that is full of conspiracy theories.

Here is a link to my essay: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sfv4DMEIqxhO8aF-tOlpsKsCgTCUAIuDN84kZVtM-sc/edit?usp=sharing