Propaganda: The Good, the Bad,and the Ugly...

What is propaganda?
According to Wikipedia, "Propaganda is communication aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense, presents information primarily to influence an audience. Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or uses loaded messages to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the attitude toward the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda" (http://en.wikipedia.org).

Is propaganda always bad, or does “good” propaganda exist?
Yes good propaganda does exist! But only when the intent is good. An example of good propaganda that has both good intent and outcome is a "bandwagon" approach to rallying supports to "join together for a good cause" like telethons to raise money to support pediatric cancer research at St. Judes Children's Hospital. Good propaganda can also be seen in advertisements, especially during election year, that demonstrate the importance of being a registered voter.

However, bad propaganda also exists and is unfortunately used more so than good propaganda, especially during an election year. During the debates you see examples of politician's "name calling" their opponents. You also see politicians using the "stroking" technique to the public by tell them what they want to here just to get there vote and once in office they do not live up to their promises.

Propaganda is a powerful persuasion tool that can be good or bad. If we take power into our own hands and make our own decisions after thoroughly researching and analysing the data being presented to us instead of allowing someone else to make our decisions for us, we can make a positive impact in our society.