Propaganda and government mass communication in twentieth-century affairs

Propaganda

It is hard to ignore the large influence and wide scoping effects propaganda and all of its branches have produced within the last 100 years. Propaganda is the suggestive information designed to influence the minds and emotional attitudes towards a certain subject, idea, relationship or individual. Often this powerful tool is used for both honorable and dishonorable means. Propaganda seems to be essential as well, as its uses has been demonstrated throughout the course of history and will most likely continue as long as there is political strife and national interests at stake within the concept of international coexistence.

It is my firm belief that, although propaganda as a distinctive dirty side towards its uses, I believe it is an essential and honorable position within the conduct of affairs of the 20th century and throughout more recent times. In this essay I'll highlight that is not necessarily the propaganda itself that is destructive or coercive, but it is the messenger's purpose behind the affair that dictates whether or not propaganda is useful and within the context of humane treatment of one another.

Reany (2009) discussed how propaganda throughout the 20th century has been used for evil purposes. He used the examples of Hitler, Mao, and Joseph Stalin to demonstrate how millions of lives may be eradicated through the use of propaganda material. He continued to explain how Hitler used rational thought to human emotional needs to expose the vulnerability within humanity. Mein Kampf, Hitler's book explicitly calls for a need for propaganda control the masses and execute a proper war. To many, Hitler's use of this psychological tactic is inexcusable. It is my belief however, that what is more detrimental is the ability of the human mind to fall suspect to such destructive behavior. It is up to those within the industry to regulate itself and prevent such horrible acts upon one another such as the Holocaust and other distasteful products of war as a result of effective propaganda techniques. Mass communications, and all the ethical responsibilities associated with this industry is not solely rested upon the propagandists.

Jowett & Odonnell (2005) explored the division between propaganda and persuasion by distinguishing the roles of both terms. These authors claimed that propaganda is a form of communication and it differs significantly from persuasive efforts, another type of communication. I agree with their analysis in this case and believe that propaganda and persuasive efforts are different even though propaganda uses persuasion within its own methods. Propaganda has a more societal benefit and is more influential upon group dynamics as opposed to an individual persuasion. These authors claim that individual behavior is a result of any type of communication should be viewed as such in support of their case with many examples.

The best example of modern-day propaganda used in the Western world is seen in the recent decade of war in the Middle East. Spreading Western values including truth and justice throughout other parts of the world would not be possible without the use of propaganda and all of its effects. Are we to convince others what is right without the use of communicating individual persuasive ideas in order to convince them? It should be understood that those with the best propagandists will most likely be the most powerful in the world. This type of communication is essential in developing an understanding how the world works and what is in store for those who choose to seek an individual path and not obey the creators of such propaganda. Eliminating individual thought is often the target of propaganda originating from nations, and other outside groups will not be able to publish what they need unless certain types of propaganda are used upon their initiates and targeted new members.

Some may say propaganda is deceptive and not an essential means of communication. Yes it is true that many of the most cruel dictators the world have used propaganda to their advantage, however what must not be forgotten is all the great accomplishments that have been made by those dictators and governments and leaders who have used this technique successfully with compassion and kindness in order to bring prosperity to the people within their control. Capitalism and all of its greatness relies on certain propaganda elements to keep its sustaining momentum moving. The idea of controlling other people seems at odds with human nature, but society has shown that this is most likely the best way of getting along with one another by capitalizing over each other and exploiting the resources of the environment. Propaganda becomes essential to removing the individual from its normal group dynamic and placing its importance within the society.