Technological Advances of The Past 80 Years

There are many ways to define the word propaganda as everyone construes it differently. Propaganda as an institution is “the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc” (dictionary.com). Retaining a generally negative connotation due to its widespread connection to the propagandistic era of Joseph Goebbels under Adolf Hitler, propaganda today is everywhere. Although the name has changed, what is now advertising surrounds us on a day-to-day basis. Over many years, propaganda has evolved to fit the current era and classical definitions no longer apply. Methods of education, technological advances, and mainstream recognition of overt advertising tools have led classic definitions of propaganda to become obsolete in 2010.

Each classical theorist brings with them their own definition of propaganda. The first of these, Jacques Ellul saw propaganda as a process, technique and sociological phenomena that short-circuit rational thought continuously. In 2010, propaganda is still a process but a different one than that used in Ellul’s time. As public view shifts, technique must as well in order to encapsulate the intended audience as effectively. Views continue to shift and with them, the processes used to market things to the public. Edward Bernays defines propaganda as “…a consistent, enduring effort to create or shape events to influence the relations of the public to an enterprise, idea or group.” Bernays documented interactions between people who were part of the public. His conclusion was that people, in general, are uneducated and “follow the herd.” In order for propaganda to be successful, the emphasis has to be on what the corporation wants the individual to need as opposed to what the individual actually needs. In this...

... middle of paper ...

...presenting and idea in a tasteful way. Education, technology, and direct advertising are the advances of the 21st century. Classical propaganda has no place in this time and would be ineffective.

Works Cited

Bernays, Edward L. Propaganda. 1st. 1928. Print.

Curnalia, Rebecca. "A Retrospective on Early Studies of Propaganda and Suggestions for Reviving the Paradigm." Routledge 5.4 (2005): 237-257. Web. 14 Jul 2010.

Lee, Alfred McClung. "The Analysis of Propaganda: A Clinical Summary." University of Chicago Press 51.2 (1945): 126-135. Web. 14 Jul 2010. .

Lewis, William. Art or Propaganda? Dewey and Adorno on the Relationship between Politics and Art. Project Muse, 2005. Print.

Lippmann, Walter. Public Opinion. New York: Harcourt, Brace & Company, 1922. Print.

Orwell, George. Politics and the English Language. 1946. Print.