Definition of Propaganda

The YourDictionary Web site defines propaganda as “any systematic, widespread dissemination or promotion of particular ideas, doctrines, practices, etc. to further one's own cause or to damage an opposing one.” While it is true that many of the techniques associated with propaganda are also used in the practice of advertising or public relations, the term propaganda is usually applied to efforts to promote a particular political viewpoint. Additionally, propaganda can be used to promote specific religious views, making it similar to evangelism or proselytism.

The word propaganda comes from the Latin name Congregatio de Propaganda Fide ("Congregation for the Spreading of the Faith"). This department, founded by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, was devoted to the spread of Catholicism after the start of the Thirty Years' War. The term itself does not specifically refer to any negative practice, although propaganda certainly has negative connotations in today’s society.

Propaganda messages can be delivered as part of the mainstream news media, including through music, magazines, movies, and television shows. Propaganda may also take the form of reports, publications, and leaflets targeted to a particular segment of the population. It is common for propaganda to be aimed at children and young adults, because they lack the critical reasoning skills and contextual comprehension abilities to help determine the objectivity of a particular message. Techniques used in propaganda can include appeals to fear, statements of prejudice, black and white fallacies, disinformation, demonizing the enemy, flag waving, intentional vagueness, oversimplification, and scapegoating.

Typically, the most effective propaganda campaigns are based upon the truth. However, propaganda presents the facts selectively in order to encourage people to come to a particular conclusion. Propaganda often delivers loaded messages designed to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information that is being presented.

To learn more about the use of propaganda throughout history, yourDictionary recommends visiting the following Web sites:

• Propaganda History
• Nazi Propaganda
• Music as Propaganda in World War I
• Propaganda and the Cold War
• Propaganda Techniques in Literature and Online Political Ads