Journal 1-2 Max Bardowell 9/23/07

Fallacies and Media Distortion Techniques

Answer to Last Entry's Question: Propaganda has been a human activity as far back as reliable recorded evidence exists. The Behistun Inscription (c. 515 BC) detailing the rise of Darius I to the Persian throne, can be seen as an early example of propaganda. The Arthashastra written by Chanakya (c. 350 - 283 BC), a professor of political science at Takshashila University and a prime minister of the Maurya Empire, discusses propaganda in detail, such as how to spread propaganda and how to apply it in warfare. His student Chandragupta Maurya (c. 340 - 293 BC), founder of the Maurya Empire, employed these methods during his rise to power. The writings of Romans such as Livy (c. 59 BC - 17 AD) are considered masterpieces of pro-Roman propaganda.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda#History_of_propaganda

After viewing an episode of Michel Moore’s show I began to realize that, no matter how obnoxious his personality or how extravagant his methods, the breadth of his career could be a very relevant example of how effective and balanced a democratic society is. It would seem that the very system of government Moore is criticizing is the same system that allows him to have employment to begin with. His actions represent one if the core values that allow democracy to thrive: freedom of speech. The fact that his voice is heard at all is a very progressive sign for our nation, especially as many of his view points and methods are considered radical or even unethical. As a nation founded on and whose growth has been shaped by the philosophy that one of America’s mandates is to stamp out the fires of oppression and suffocated ideas. For democracy to exist at all it is essential that the entire spectrum of the nation is displayed for the nation to see. This fact has manifested itself all the way from democracy’s humble beginnings within the shining marble halls of Athens, when the voices of all the citizens of the city were able to contribute to the policies being created. This process evolved from the amphitheater to the newspaper, and from the newspaper to the Internet and the world of blogging, and then finally to this year’s presidential debates, where the candidate’s questions were submitted not by a team of political experts who traditionally design the questions to be predictable and one-dimensional, but by the people themselves, through the youtube phenomenon. In order for America to adapt to this new world where the boundaries of nations are blurred and people from across the globe are connected with the touch of a button, we must preserve that fragile system. It is vital to our survival. It is vital to our way of life. Without it we can not survive. Unfortunately, it’s that simple.

Question: Where did Michael Moore receive his education?

Journal 1-1 Max Bardowell 9/17/07

Critical Thinking, Ambiguity, and Loaded Language

After watching and reading both President Bush’s speeches and the Democratic Party’s responses earlier this week, I realized that our media is laced with propaganda. It is subtle, but when a politician’s speech is analyzed or a news clip is explored deeper, it is fairly easy to discern what messages within the text are written to provoke an intended response. While initially I was offended by the governments attempt to influence my mindset without my knowledge, after consideration it seems as though this has been a practice of governments for hundreds of years. Can I blame them for using such an established and effective practice? No, I can not. It is the people who are to blame for providing the fuel for this partly unethical system. As a collective, Americans are highly receptive to forms of perception shifting methods put forth by companies and our government, and it is this national gullibility that provides the motive for said groups.

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. (wikipedia.com) As a nation we must read through the propaganda and find the reality behind it. If it is in fact spreading lies we must not allow ourselves to succumb to the weak spirited acceptance of everything we hear. We must fight for truth.

Question: How was propaganda created and developed?