Propaganda

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1.

Bandwagon Propaganda

As human beings, we have this innate desire to fit in. And that’s exactly the kind of follow-the-
herd mentality this technique follow.

Bandwagon propaganda is all about persuading the target audience to take action. It’s about
creating an urge amongst people to become a part of the “in crowd”.

To enforce such a feeling, advertisers typically use phrases like, “join the crowd” or “trending
now” for their products and services.

Propaganda Examples:

Have a look at these examples right here:

Notice how Maybelline uses the phrase “America’s Favorite”?

That’s a way of persuading people to use the product because it is loved by all of America. Pretty
smart, isn’t it?

2. Card Stacking Propaganda

Now, this technique is perhaps most popularly used. It involves the deliberate omission of
certain facts to fool the target audience. The term card stacking originates from gambling and
occurs when players try to stack decks in their favor. A similar ideology is used by companies to
make their products appear better than they actually are.

Most brands use this propaganda technique to downplay unsavory details about their products
and services. For instance, some companies may cleverly conceal “hidden charges” and only talk
about the benefits of their products and services.

Examples of Propaganda

For instance, take a look at this advertisement by Burger King. Notice how they’re (almost
desperately) trying to highlight their “low calorie” fries. Assuming they are low calorie, fried food
is bad for your health, anyway.
Also, they’ve clearly left out details about how these fries still taste good despite the low trans-
fat content.

3. Plain Folks Propaganda

Have you ever noticed how some brands use ordinary folks to promote their products and
services as opposed to celebrities?

The ultimate goal here is to demonstrate how the product is meant for everybody and will
provide value to everyone. This method is commonly used in the world of advertising as the
general public has started to grow skeptical towards paid celebrity endorsements. Today, buyers
are on the lookout for REAL experiences instead of the glossy images portrayed on television.

Propaganda Examples:

Take a look at this advertisement right here. It uses a sweet-looking girl to appeal to the
audience. The main purpose of the ad is to promote healthy and simple living.

4. Testimonial Propaganda

Testimonial propaganda is popular advertising technique that uses renowned or celebrity figures
to endorse products and services. Now in this case, when a famous person vouches for
something, viewers are likely to take account of the credibility and popularity of that person.

This establishes trust and boosts the credibility of that particular brand. Consequently, some
brands may also use figures like doctors and engineers (basically experts) to promote their
products and services.

Examples of Propaganda

Here’s an example:
Similarly, PepsiCo has continued to use big names such as Shakira, Kanye West, Beyoncé and
many more to endorse Pepsi.

5. Glittering Generalities Propaganda

Glittering generalities is a propaganda technique where propagandists use emotional appeal


or/and vague statements to influence the audience.

Advertising agencies thus use of phrases like as “inspiring you from within” or “to kick-start your
day” to create positive anecdotes. This makes the product look more appealing, resulting in
better sales.

For better effect, brands may use hyperboles, metaphors or lyrical phrases to attract more
attention.

Examples of Propaganda

For instance, take a look at this advertisement right here.

This Iced Mocha isn’t just icy and creamy, apparently, it’s dreamy too. You probably get the
picture.

6. Name Calling Propaganda

Now, this type of propaganda uses a completely opposite approach to glittering generalities. As
the name suggests, this propaganda technique involves using derogatory phrases to create a
negative opinion about someone or some other brand.

Consequently, the brand may also speak negatively about an idea. For instance, a company that
sells plant-based products may talk about how inhumane it is to kill animals. For this purpose,
they may also criticize fast food chains businesses.

Examples of Propaganda

For instance, take a look at this advertisement by Burger King and how they’re ridiculing
McDonald’s famous Big Mac.

7. Transfer Propaganda

This type of propaganda uses a technique to project certain qualities (this can either be positive
or negative) of a person, ideology or object to other things and people.

This kind of propaganda uses many different symbols to achieve a favorable outcome.

Examples of Propaganda

For example, major soft-drink brands were accused of having traces of pesticides a couple of
years ago. While these allegations were on the rise, the entire carbonated-drink industry took a
hit. During this same period, fruit juices and other drinks were able to do great business.

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