Oh my! Propaganda?

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Without a doubt, propaganda surely raises some heads upon hearing the term. Granted, there are negative connotations that come with the term, but there are equally just as many positive aspects.

By definition, propaganda is best described as a mode of communication used to manipulate or influence the opinion of groups to support a particular cause or belief. Propaganda often times takes the form of artwork, films or even music. Often times, it involves a significant emphasis on the benefits and virtues of one or group, while also distorting the truth.

Propaganda can be found through a variety of mediums, such as:

  1. Advertisements
  2. Political signs and commercials
  3. The government also produces many kinds of propaganda (public service announcements)


Created by J. Howard Miller in 1943. Rosie the Riveter was used to boost the morale of women who already worked at Westinghouse Electric.

During World War II, the Nazi party quickly rose to power by promoting the idea "it would leave Germany out of economic depression, which claimed it was, among other things, the result of Jewish people stealing jobs from hard-working Germans," according to a Study.com article.

North Korea is undoubtedly notorious for their continuous use of propaganda. Below is a video better explaining the definitive usage of propaganda in North Korea:


As mentioned previously, propaganda can be used to promote positive messages, such as health recommendations, PSAs, or even encouraging others to vote.

Although simple, this poster provides a powerful message against smoking.

Originally published as the cover for a 1916 issue of Leslie's Weekly with the title "What Are You Doing for Preparedness?" This poster quickly became the most famous poster in the world and over four million copies were printed of this edition of Leslie's Weekly.

Propaganda even dates back to ancient Greek times. Ancient Greek commander Themistocles in 480 BCE used a disinformation campaign to lure Xeres into a naval battle. Julius Caesar was also fan of using propaganda as art. This is a consistent theme that many leaders have used; many leaders used the medium to display the best attributes of a society and be sure that "their legacy supercedes them."

Ancient Near Eastern settlements in Mesopotamia were regularly feuding with rival nations, and their artwork seeks to project military victory and a love for their government. Further, Egyptian pharaohs, who were considered to be "all-powerful" beings, strived to promote their relationship with the gods above by the use of propaganda as art.

So, should you believe in propaganda? Or should individuals disregard it? How accurate is it?

I'll let you decide that.

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