Propaganda :: essays research papers

Bush and Cheney: Propaganda In A Over-Confident Way What does the word propaganda really mean? For most of us we assume that it is a word for negativity use. Just to assure those that think of propaganda as a negative word. Propaganda does have a positive objective if used correctly. The word propaganda is defined in a few different ways, But in the most general usage, it varies from bad to good persuasion of our minds. It is used during election time to our daily lives on television to our newspaper stands. According to Donna Cross’s essay, â€Å"Propaganda: How Not to Be Bamboozled,† there are thirteen different types of propaganda; this paper will discuss six varieties. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney used primarily every sort of propaganda to influence the citizens; therefore, our national society needs to develop awareness in the propaganda used by such politicians so that they can make wise decisions intelligently. One of the thirteen propaganda divisions is glittering generalities. â€Å"This propaganda method involves correlating a person or idea with words of positive meaning and feelings (Cross 527-28).† President Bush states, â€Å"our national courage has been clear [ . . . ] by confronting problems instead of passing them on to future generations† (Address, par. 21). Instead, one needs to examine what is Bush’s strategy really about? Do the citizens think that Bush will just turn around and listen to them instead of following his strategy? Does Bush have a kind heart to affiliate such caring feelings for the American people? During the speech that the Vice President gave on February 15, 2001 he stated, â€Å"It is not for us to wait on events but to act. And we will act on principle. We are going to stand for responsible [ . . . ]. They see a future when the world is at peace, promoting the values of the human rights and freedom all around the world. That statement certainly attempts to struggle with one’s emotions. What specifically are these words striving to reveal to the American people anyway? Is he mentioning them only to obtain future support? What does principle or responsibility really mean? Surely these words sound outstanding, but one needs to ask, if I take out the glittering words what is the value of the idea itself? Getting caught up in the words and feelings illustrated by them happens easily, making the actual intent behind them disfigured.