The Functions of Stereotypes in Propaganda Essay -- Media Stereotypes

The Functions of Stereotypes in Propaganda "A leader with no followers is a guy taking a walk". Good leaders whether it be opinion or political, rarely if ever walk by themselves. The information theydisseminate more often than not leaves them with a hoard of followers that conform to their ideas or cause. The circulated information is known as propaganda. The Webster dictionary defines propaganda as, "ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further ones cause or to damage an opposing cause". Propaganda has been around for a long time; the earliest use of the word was in connection with religious missionary activity in the 16th century (Hardwood). Contemporary propaganda for the most part is information or disinformation, spread by leaders through their mouth pieces such as spokespeople or public relations firms. Contemporary propaganda is frequently created with stereotypes that can be easily understood, in order to reach the greatest number of people. Stereotypes and propaganda are like peanut butter and jam, wh en put together stereotypes function very well in propaganda. This essay will look at the relationship between stereotypes and propaganda, how stereotypes function in propaganda and how well they function in propaganda tactics. In other words, this essay will look at how stereotypes function in propaganda. History has shown that stereotypes and propaganda have an exceptionally close relationship. Propaganda is most easily understood when kept simple by using stereotypes. A stereotype is a ready made image of a person or relationship that is instantly recognizable. (Roth) When these two mechanisms are paired together it results in a strong message that can be easily understood by the masses. Propagandi... ...ment and industries that wish to broadcast propaganda" (Savich) Works Cited Brandon, Karen. "Protesting war, groups battle stereotypes too." Chicago Tribune 17 Jan. 2003. 17 Mar. 2004 . Ellul, Jacques. Propaganda: The Formation of Mens Attitudes . Paris: Press, 1965. 3 -9. Hardwood, Childs L. "Propaganda." Encarta . Redmond: Microsoft, 2003. CD-ROM. Roth, Jen. Beyond Stereotypes . 14 July 2001. 29 Mar. 2004 . Savich, Carl K. War,Journalism and Propaganda . 11 Jan. 2000. 19 Mar. 2004 . Shaw, Anup . Media, Propaganda and September 11 . 26 July 2002. 27 Mar. 2004 .