Essay Database

Propaganda in film and the manipulation of popular opinion in modern western civilization Ever since Aristotle outlined his principles of persuasion in Rhetoric, these principles of persuasion or compliance have been an important part of human history. However, the word "Propaganda" is a relatively new term and is associated with ideological struggles in the twentieth century. It was originally used by the Vatican to describe the systematic spread of beliefs, values or practices in the …

…human behavior. Propaganda can be used to achieve positive goals, such as to reduce drunk driving, but it can and is being used to win elections and to sell alcohol. The technological advances of the mass media, especially those of the electronic media, are expanding the avenues available to all groups and are likely to have a significant impact on propaganda efforts in the future. For better or worse, Ours is an age of Propaganda.