Propaganda

"Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist."
- Garth S. Jowett and Victoria O'Donnell, Propoganda and Persuasion, 4th edition, 2006

I sometimes think the word propaganda is only ever applied to materials, methods or views that the person using the word disagrees.

Is it ever possible to tell a full objective truth that the other person receives objectively in its entirety?

Do we ever write something public without wishing or hoping to shape perceptions? Perhaps not to further our intent, but probably to propagate our views.

I think we react more to perceived propaganda when we see the manipulation. For instance, in a program I watched recently, images were used that were not directly related to the commentary but had been (I assume carefully) chosen to create a certain mood that would help convey the overall message. I think, "propaganda", but perhaps those that agreed with every word being said wouldn't. Or perhaps those that had not spotted the conceit.

But does it matter? I guess people don't like to be manipulated so on principle yes. But then everything we see, hear, touch etc. will be manipulating us in some way. It then comes down to whether we know we're being manipulated and whether we like it. Or it becomes about whether you think it is right that other people should be manipulated in that way. But if you cry foul you're still deciding what is right and wrong for someone else. Who ultimately decides what is good propaganda and what is bad propaganda? Surely training people to choose for themselves is in itself a form of propaganda?

My final question may seem a little trivial but I don't mind. Do you think that a rare bearlike mammal of the mountains of China and Tibet, having woolly fur with distinctive black and white markings would think this rant to be propapanda?

Didn't think so.

overandout