Propaganda & Mass Persuasion: Lasswell Propaganda

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Lasswell Propaganda

Lasswell states "Propaganda as a mere tool is no more moral or immoral than a pump handle." Propaganda is most often seen through political and business venues, although not limited to them. These types of medians are known as indifferent and cold in regards to many issues. The propagandist is similiar to the politician or businessman in the way that his sole agenda is to get his/her message across, regardless of "moral" behavior. In order to accomplish this task, the propagandists' boundaries are inexhaustible, and will go to any length to to change opinions, through moral or immoral means.

1 Comments:

Blogger A. Mattson said...

Good key point. Propaganda has been demonized and Lasswell is correct that mass persuasion is a tool without moral content. The term 'propaganda' has been soiled and will never be squeaky clean again. No amount of spin will make erase the history of negative associations. Perhaps we should just let propaganda remain a negative adjective and find a newer term that does not carry so much baggage.

2/12/2007 9:16 PM  

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