Propaganda is a form of communication that is primarily used to influence or persuade an audience to further an agenda, which may not be objective and may be selectively presenting facts to encourage a particular viewpoint. It is often conveyed through mass media and can be used to manipulate peoples beliefs, attitudes, or actions by means of symbols such as words, gestures, banners, music, clothing, and other devices. Some key characteristics of propaganda include:
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Deliberateness: Propaganda is a systematic effort to manipulate other peoples beliefs, attitudes, or actions by means of symbols, with a specified goal or set of goals.
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Manipulation: Propaganda emphasizes the elements of information that support its position and de-emphasizes or excludes those that do not. Misleading statements and even lies may be used to create the desired effect in the public audience.
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Goal-oriented: Propaganda seeks to achieve a predetermined end and is characterized by the systematic use of irrational and often unethical techniques of persuasion.
Propaganda can be used for a variety of purposes, including political, commercial, or ideological ones. It can be used to promote non-controversial or generally acceptable ideas, as well as to promote controversial or subversive ones/defining-propaganda-ii). Propaganda can be concealed or open, emotional or logical, and can be used by both authoritarian and democratic regimes.
