Propaganda is necessary for the functioning and survival of human society. Discuss

Résumé du document

"Propaganda, by whatever name we may call it, has become a very general phenomenon in the modern world. Differences in political regimes matter little; differences in social levels are more important; and most important is national self-awareness."(1) Actually, propaganda is a large scale phenomenon, predominant in every society and hard to define. To Jowett an O'Donnell, "Propaganda is a form of communication that attempts to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist." In the same way, De Vito, in 1986, identifies it as "organised persuasion" and Sproule, in 1994, defines it as "the work of large organisations or groups to win over the public for special interests through a massive orchestration of attractive conclusions packaged to conceal both their persuasive purpose and lack of supporting reasons." (2)Consequently, we can say that propaganda constitutes a specific class of mass communication which aim is to affect public opinion and behavioural change, to send out an ideology to an audience with a related objective. In its broad sense, it includes psychological action and warfare, re-education and brain-washing, public and human relations considered as a way to "adapt the individual to a society, to a living standard, to an activity"(3)

Extraits

[...] “Propaganda is needed in the exercise of power for the simple reason that the masses have come to participate in political affairs” it is one aspect of democracy and no modern society can survive and function without it. Actually, since the 18th century, the people's sovereignty has replaced religion or tradition in the legitimating of political power and societal order. Nowadays, the mass is everywhere and accustomed to making political judgements. It is consulted on political decisions because they affect everybody. [...]

[...] Drawing up plans for organisation and institutions is not enough, there is a need for true conviction from the people constituting the society for it to work, a need for psychological preparation. It is thus necessary for the existence and functioning of human societies, no matter the political regime or the time. modern state, even if it is liberal, democratic and humanist finds itself objectively and sociologically in a situation in which it must use propaganda as a mean of governing. It cannot do otherwise.” By saying this, Jacques Ellul emphasises on the link between democracy and propaganda in our modern societies. [...]

[...] The question is here to know whether propaganda is “necessary for the functioning and survival of human society” or not. To answer it, we will focus on white propaganda, considered as a way to human societies by many thinkers; “Propaganda is a technique of social pressure which tends to create psychological or social groups with a unified structure across the homogeneity of the affective and mental states of individuals under considerations”(6); and analyse its function on the sociological, psychological and political point of views. [...]

[...] Bernays, in Propaganda, explains that manipulating the masses is necessary in society, because of their irrational and dangeraous character. In the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science he adds that "the very essence of the democratic process" is "the freedom to persuade and suggest.” leader frequently cannot wait for the people to arrive at even general understanding . Democratic leaders must play their part in . engineering . consent to socially constructive goals and values," applying "scientific principles and tried practices to the task of getting people to support ideas and programs". [...]

[...] Propaganda is necessary for the functioning and survival of human society. Discuss “Propaganda, by whatever name we may call it, has become a very general phenomenon in the modern world. Differences in political regimes matter little; differences in social levels are more important; and most important is national self-awareness.”(1) Actually, propaganda is a large scale phenomenon, predominant in every society and hard to define. To Jowett an O'Donnell, “Propaganda is a form of communication that attempts to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.” In the same way, De Vito, in 1986, identifies it as “organised persuasion” and Sproule, in 1994, defines it as work of large organisations or groups to win over the public for special interests through a massive orchestration of attractive conclusions packaged to conceal both their persuasive purpose and lack of supporting reasons.” Consequently, we can say that propaganda constitutes a specific class of mass communication which aim is to affect public opinion and behavioural change, to send out an ideology to an audience with a related objective. [...]