The Power of ___________

Propaganda. What does propaganda really mean? Well, let’s look at what the Dictionary tells us. Of course, I will be using the online dictionary - mainly due to the fact that its right here, in front of me with the use of an address bar and well... Its an easy copy paste method. Plus, come on, I'm too lazy to find an actual dictionary. 

prop·a·gan·danoun1.information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely tohelp or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation,etc.2.the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc.3.the particular doctrines or principles propagated by anorganization or movement.4.Roman Catholic Church .a.a committee of cardinals, established in 1622 by PopeGregory XV, having supervision over foreign missions andthe training of priests for these missions.b.a school (College of Propaganda)  established by PopeUrban VIII for the education of priests for foreignmissions.5.Archaic . an organization or movement for the spreading ofpropaganda.   [prop-uh-gan-duh]  Show IPA

So, let’s take definition number….. uno? Maybe Dos. Actually, let’s take both! Definitions One and Two speak of the same idea. It’s about how information, ideas, rumors, ect. is being spread to the public for one or two reasons.

During class on Tuesday, we viewed a video made to promote a cause. This video was on the NRA... oh, come on. Everyone knows of the NRA. Right? Well, for those that know what the NRA is, this little image should help you out with that.

Ain't it pretty!? I think it is. Anyway, this image was the face National Recovery Administration aka the New Deal when FDR took office during the 30s. This project had banners, flags, posters, ect and ect. So many of these so called Faces was smeared across America and... well, it got the public filled up with hope and hyped up. 

This kind of... reminds you of something... right? 

Maybe that'll remind a few of what I'm talking about. 

And guess what! This wasn't the only time such images were used to riled up people. Heck you have...

The Oath of Horatii

A fine example of Neo-classisim and one of the first uses of propaganda during the 18th century. 

But wait.... waiiiit. What does this have to do with anything? Like say, the Face of the New Deal? Or the film, Birth of a Nation? Well, they forms of propaganda is an Icon... a Symbol. These little symbols and such voices out an opinion, ideas. much like the definition we spoke of earlier. Now, when seeing these icons, images, silent films, the public will have a reaction. 

Even today you have icons. Such as Uncle Sam being used for USA and Military. Or...

This.

That.

And a whollleeeee load of more that I could keep on talking about. But, by now most of you don't wish to go through the whole list of images, songs, videos, slogans and all that lovely doodads I got up my sleeve for opinions.

What I'm really getting to here is that this use of Propaganda can make millions of people become nothing more but Tools. Like. Seriously. Who wants to be a tool? I don't. I bet you don't either. However, it cannot be escaped and eventually, at least once in our life, we are used as Tools. Cause, well, how else will the world turn? The world needs a Tool to spin it about, right? Ya know... I should draw a picture of the world being spun around by a tool. I think I shall do that after this blog post.

EDIT: I seem to have spammed you all with American Jesus music video. My apologizes for that. I corrected the post with the correct video.