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The essence of propaganda consists in winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally, that in the end they succumb to it utterly and can never again escape from it.
— written by Joseph Goebbels in his diary
The word propaganda didn't always carry negative connotations. Over time, however, its meaning has shifted, and in the modern era it has become pervasive and highly persuasive.
Recognizing propaganda will allow you to resist it and not be manipulated by it.
Did you know?
Before the Rwandan genocide (1994), Hutu controlled media, especially RTLM radio, spread hate against the Tutsi minority, calling them “cockroaches” and claiming they were a threat. This propaganda made violence seem justified.
After the Rwandan president’s plane was shot down, over 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed in just 100 days — often by neighbors, influenced by what they heard on the radio.
Propaganda's Original Meaning and Transformation
Back then, the word just meant "sharing ideas or beliefs" but it wasn't associated with lying or manipulation.
The meaning of propaganda changed during World War I and II, when it was used to deceive and manipulate entire populations.
Governments used media, posters, films, and speeches to control how people thought about the war, the enemy, and even their own country.
Example: The Corpse Factory Hoax (1917)
During WWI, British newspapers falsely claimed that Germany was running a “corpse factory” to boil down dead soldiers’ bodies for soap, lubricants, and explosives.
Purpose: To make Germany look barbaric and stir hatred and fear, especially in neutral countries like the U.S.
The story was completely false, based on a distorted report about processing animal remains. It was deliberate propaganda to boost morale and support for the war.
Impact: Many years later, people doubted real reports of Nazi crimes in WWII, thinking it was another lie.
Did you know?
The famous "I Want YOU for U.S. Army" poster (1917) shows Uncle Sam pointing directly at the viewer, urging men to enlist. It was part of a massive propaganda campaign to gain public support for the war.
The image created a sense of personal responsibility, guilt, and patriotism, encouraging young men to fight and others to support the war effort at home.
Propaganda's Evolution and Modern Tricks
Over time, propaganda has expanded beyond politics. Today, it’s used in marketing, media, and industry.
It often relies on real facts, but shows only a selective part to create a specific impression or influence belief.
The goal is the same: shape how people think and feel. Just like snake charmers use illusions to capture attention, propaganda uses similar tricks to grab focus and shape reactions.
In the video below, philosophy professor Jason Stanley explains how propaganda works in modern times:
Facts used: Iraq had used chemical weapons in the 1980s, and some intelligence reports suggested possible weapons programs.
What was left out:
UN inspectors found no solid evidence of active WMDs.
Conflicting intelligence was ignored.
Some claims, like Iraq buying uranium from Africa, were later proven false.
Result: The public was persuaded with selective facts, while the full picture was hidden. No WMDs were ever found after the invasion.
Did you know?
Lucky Strike cigarettes became a symbol of freedom. In the 1920s, it was taboo for women to smoke in public. Lucky Strike wanted to change that, so they hired PR expert Edward Bernays.
During an Easter parade in 1929, Bernays had stylish young women walk while smoking cigarettes, calling them “Torches of Freedom”. The press covered it as a bold feminist statement.
By linking smoking to women’s rights and independence, Lucky Strike turned a social taboo into a trend — and cigarette sales among women skyrocketed. It was a powerful use of symbolism and emotional propaganda — not truth, but strategy.
Quiz: How Bacon Became Popular
In the 1920s, bacon wasn’t a common breakfast food in the U.S. That changed thanks to a marketing campaign by Edward Bernays, the "father of public relations."
Bernays was hired by the Beech-Nut Packing Companyto help sell their bacon. Here's how he did it:
Bernays asked doctors if a hearty breakfast was healthier than a light one.
Most said yes — and Bernays promoted this as a "scientific fact".
He then linked bacon and eggs to that "hearty breakfast" in newspapers, radio, and ads.
What would have been necessary for this campaign NOT to be considered propaganda?
A. Including objective information and allowing people to make their own conclusions
B. Making the ads more entertaining and eye-catching.
C. Asking more doctors to recommend bacon specifically.
D. Using emotional language to emphasize how delicious bacon is.
Quiz
Choose the best response:
Propaganda relies on selective or manipulative information. To avoid being propaganda, the campaign would have needed to present objective facts (including any evidence against the claim) and allow the public to form their own opinion, not guiding them toward a predetermined conclusion.
How to Resist Propaganda
Human perception is limited — we often see only part of the picture.
Propaganda exploits this by shaping what we notice and believe. Staying aware, asking questions, and seeking full context helps us see more clearly.
To resist propaganda, you must:
Distinguish facts from opinions.
Use critical thinking.
Avoid rushed judgments.
Example: Edward R. Murrow & Joseph McCarthy
In the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy fueled panic with claims of communist infiltration in the U.S. government.
In 1954, Edward R. Murrow went on national TV and calmly called out McCarthy’s fear tactics — like labeling critics as communist sympathizers without solid proof. He used McCarthy’s own words to show the public what was really happening.
By sticking to facts, he helped Americans wake up and eventually bring an end to the McCarthy era. It's a good example of resisting propaganda and helping others withstand it.
Take Action
Remember, resisting propaganda is an ongoing process.
It requires curiosity, patience, and the willingness to challenge your own beliefs.
By doing so, we protect ourselves from manipulation and contribute to a more informed society.
