Bias and
Propaganda
Name_________________________
Period_____
What is Propaganda?
Propaganda is _________________ techniques use by politicians,
advertisers, journalists, radio personalities, and others who are
interested in _____________________ human behavior.
Propagandistic messages can be used to accomplish
_________________ social ends, as in campaigns to reduce drunk
driving, but they are also used to win elections and to sell
cigarettes.
With the __________________ of communication tools like the
Internet, the flow of persuasive messages has
__________________. We have information overload, and people
are confronted with ____________________of messages each day.
Although few studies have looked at this topic, it seems fair to
suggest that many people respond to this
________________________.
Propagandists love _____________-__________ -- particularly
those which "short-circuit" or interfere with rational thought. They
encourage this by playing upon _________________, by exploiting
insecurities, by capitalizing on the ambiguity of
______________________, and by bending the _______________
of logic. As history shows, they can be quite _________________.
The following unit discusses the many techniques that
propagandists use. As you complete the unit, think about the ways
you have seen propaganda used.
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Facts and Opinions
To be a good reader, you should be able to tell the difference between a ________ and
an ________________. Figuring out facts from opinions is something you do
________________________. You may do it without even ____________________ it.
Below are some definitions and examples of facts and opinions. They will help you tell the
difference between facts and opinions.
A fact is a statement that you can ______________ or prove with _______________
(proof). This evidence may be in what someone ___________, something you
______________, or something ______________ in a book or text. In other words, a fact
is something that can be proved. Facts are usually found in newspapers, textbooks, and
news shows on television.
Examples:
Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States.
The sun is 93 million miles away from Earth.
A square has four sides.
The restaurant's hours are nine to five.
**Heather thinks that the best team in the NFL is the New England Patriots.
An opinion is a statement that _______________ be proven true or false. Opinions are
what people _______________, ___________, or _____________ about something. An
opinion cannot be proven right or wrong. Opinions are usually found in editorials, letters
to the editor, and in debates.
Examples:
Ronald Reagan was one of the best presidents the United States has ever had.
That movie was cool!
Computers are confusing.
Blue is the prettiest color.
The book was great.
People should not use cell phones when driving.
**New England has the best team in the NFL.
**Some people get confused about these types of statements. You could ask Heather if
she likes the Patriots, and she could tell you it's a fact that she likes them. You could prove
that she likes the Patriots just by asking her. In other words, it is a fact that Heather has
an opinion about the Patriots. If she said, "New England has the best football team in the
NFL," it would be an opinion.
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Author's Influence
Sometimes, what you see is ________________________ what you get.
Authors sometimes use _______________________techniques to try and
________________ your thinking. You might think you're reading a simple article about
the benefits of drinking water daily. But you might actually be reading a
______________________ ____________________ that's trying to get you to buy a
certain brand of bottled water.
As you read, it's good to be on the _______________________ for
_____________________ that a writer might be using to try and
_________________________ you.
Bias
A person who prefers ___________ ____________ above _____________________
has a bias. As you read, see if you can find any author bias. Does the author seem to
_____________, or like, some things more than others? Maybe the author has written
about several famous athletes, but you can tell the author really likes one of the athletes
the best. The author is showing a bias.
Propaganda
Propaganda is a technique used to _____________________ people. If you feel an
author is trying to influence you in a certain direction by telling you "Everybody else owns
and enjoys riding a scooter," or "These popular singers wear our brand of clothing," or
something along those lines, the author is probably using propaganda.
Stereotype
Stereotyping is taking a quality of ________________ individual and applying it to
________________ individual in the group. Let's say you have a friend who wears
glasses and is very interested in science. If you decide that all people who wear glasses
are interested in science based on your one friend, you are stereotyping. Be on the watch
for stereotypes authors might use on purpose or without even knowing it.
Media Technique
Have you ever watched a commercial for a candy bar and suddenly felt a craving for
chocolate? Have you ever watched a movie and been startled by a sudden loud bang?
People who _______________ audiovisual presentations can use
_____________________ colors, camera angles, and sounds to
________________________ you. Be aware of different __________________
techniques used to affect you in a certain way.
Example: "Let's go get a brisket sandwich from Al's BBQ," Sharla said. "No, I don't eat
barbeque anymore. I got sick from some barbeque once, and now I can't even stand the
smell of it." April replied.
Why has April developed a bias against barbeque?
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Practice Review
Author’s Purpose
Practice 1:
It is always the poor who suffer when there are tax cuts. The rich will have more and the
poor less. Tax cuts often mean budget cutting. How can we in good conscience agree to
this? I ask you to take a moment and look deep within yourself to find an answer. What
will future generations say of such cruel policies?
__________ * Why do you think the author wrote the lines printed above?
A. to amuse readers on the subject of taxes
B. to inform readers about the budget
C. to instruct readers on how taxes are used
D. to persuade readers to oppose the tax cuts
Practice 2:
To make corn chowder, slowly add contents of soup can to 1 cup of milk. Heat slowly and
stir continually. When soup comes to boil, reduce heat. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Let
stand for 2 minutes and then serve.
__________ * Why do you think the author wrote the lines printed above?
A. to amuse readers with an entertaining story
B. to inform readers about the nutritional value of corn
C. to teach readers how to prepare corn chowder
D. to persuade readers that corn chowder is a tasty dish
Propaganda and Bias
Practice 3:
Zanesville must close the Greater United Supermarket on Harbor Avenue. It’s true that
Greater United employs a lot of people in our town and it offers a wide selection of food at
low prices. But this is not enough. Greater United is selling tainted food that has already
sent people to the hospital. Food from the criminally careless Greater United will cause
hundreds more to become sick if it is allowed to stay open. Health inspectors have issued
five complaints already. Dr. Hawkins, the head of internal medicine at the local hospital, is
very concerned. He says that more than a dozen patients have been admitted in the last
four months after eating food purchased at the supermarket. We must close them down
before someone dies.
__________ * Which sentence from the passage is propaganda?
A. Greater United employs a lot of people in our town.
B. Food from the criminally careless Greater United will cause hundreds more to
become sick if it is allowed to stay open.
C. Greater United offers a wide variety of food at low prices.
D. Health inspectors have issued five complaints against Greater United.
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Practice Review (continued)
Practice 4:
Marnie has always been a top student in math and science. In her junior year in high
school, her science project won first prize in a city-wide contest. It was a computer
program that detected viruses before they could enter and destroy a hard drive. Now, as a
senior, she has been studying for a math project that could win her a full scholarship to the
college of her choice. Her main competitor is Vernon, who is an outstanding math student.
Vernon is convinced that because he is a male, he’ll get a higher mark on the test than
Marnie. He has a better chance of winning.
__________ * Which statement contains a bias?
A. Marnie excels in math and science.
B. A computer program can kill viruses.
C. Vernon thinks he will win the contest.
D. Vernon thinks that he will win because he is male.
Practice 5:
I watched the debate last night. The candidates spoke about the issues, but neither one
said anything very important. You know how politicians are. They never speak the truth.
After the debate, I watched the skating finals. They were exciting.
__________ * Which statement is based on a bias?
A. I watched the debate last night.
B. The candidates spoke about the issues.
C. Politicians never speak the truth.
D. The skating finals were exciting.
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Propaganda Techniques
Propaganda techniques and persuasive tactics are used to _______________
people to believe, buy, or do something. You should be able to identify and
comprehend the propaganda techniques and persuasive tactics listed below.
1. Name-calling is an ____________________ on a person
instead of an _____________________________.
2. A bandwagon appeal tries to __________________ the
reader to do,__________________ or buy something because it is
______________________ or because “everyone” is doing it.
3. A red herring is an attempt to __________________ the
reader with details not relevant to the ______________________.
4. An emotional appeal tries to ___________________ the
reader by using ___________________that appeal to the reader’s
__________________________ instead of to logic or reason.
5. A testimonial attempts to persuade the reader by using a
____________ person to endorse a product or idea (for instance,
the celebrity endorsement or common folk).
6. Repetition attempts to persuade the reader by
_________________________ a message over and over again.
7. A sweeping generalization (stereotyping) makes an
oversimplified statement about a _____________________ based
on __________________________ information.
8. A circular argument states a ________________________
as part of the proof of the argument.
9.
An appeal to numbers, facts, or statistics attempts to persuade
the reader by showing how many ___________________________think
something is true.
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Group Activity #1
Propaganda Techniques in Commercials
Directions: Complete the following steps after viewing each commercial.
1. Identify what product is being advertised.
- Write it on the line next to the clip number.
2. Write the name of the propaganda technique that was most evident in the clip.
- Reference the 9 propaganda techniques/ persuasive tactics on page 3 if needed.
3. Explain why you chose that propaganda technique.
- Include specific details from the clip in your explanation.
Clip #1- _______________________________
Propaganda Technique- _______________________
Explanation- ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Clip #2- _______________________________
Propaganda Technique- _______________________
Explanation- ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Clip #3- _______________________________
Propaganda Technique- _______________________
Explanation- ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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Clip #4- _______________________________
Propaganda Technique- _______________________
Explanation- ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Clip #5- _______________________________
Propaganda Technique- _______________________
Explanation- ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Clip #6- _______________________________
Propaganda Technique- _______________________
Explanation- ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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Gender Stereotyping
Stereotyping
1. Generalizations or ______________ about an entire group of people that
are based on _____________, sometimes inaccurate, information.
2. A single statement or __________________ about a group of people that
does not recognize the ____________________, multidimensional nature of
__________________ beings.
3. Broad categories about people that fail to __________________ among
individuals, _____________________, and societies.
4.Stereotypes are based on:
a. race
b. ____________
c. ____________
d. GENDER
Gender Stereotyping
1. Occur when you apply general ___________________, opinions, or roles
toward either _______________________.
2. Apparent everywhere especially in the ________________________.
3. Companies display ads and commercials to gear toward the common
________________________ of gender stereotypes.
4. Used to sell products to the people they believe would use them most.
5. Examples:
a. ______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Group Activity #2
Stereotyping in Commercials
Directions: Complete the following steps after viewing each commercial.
1. Identify what product is being advertised.
- Write it on the line next to the clip number.
2. Explain why the commercial is an example of stereotyping.
- Include specific examples from the clip in your explanation.
Clip #1- _________________________________
Why is this clip an example of stereotyping?
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Clip #2- _______________________________
Why is this clip an example of stereotyping?
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Clip #3- _______________________________
Why is this clip an example of stereotyping?
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Media Techniques in Commercials
What special techniques were used in this commercial to make the Burger King Burger look
so appealing to the viewer? _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Newspaper Activity #1
Sports Section:
Did They Win or Lose?
Directions: With a partner, scan the sports section of the newspaper. List as many ways
as you can find to say "win" or "lose". What other interesting words or phrases do you find
in the sport section of the paper? List at least 10.
Words for "Win"
Words for "Lose"
Other Interesting Sports Words and Phrases:
Interesting Phrases
Comment or Meaning
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Newspaper Activity #2
Headlines
1. With a partner, select and eight (8) headlines. Specifically look for headlines that have
either positive or negative words. Write the headlines below:
a. ___________________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________________
e. ___________________________________________________________
f. ___________________________________________________________
g. ___________________________________________________________
h. ___________________________________________________________
2.
Pick one negative headline, and rewrite it here:
________________________________________________________
What effect does the negative headline have on you as the reader?
__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Try substituting a "positive" word for the negative and rewrite the headline.
____________________________________________________________
3.
Look at the 8 headlines you and your partner chose. What types of headlines did you
select? What was similar about them? What was different?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4.
List at least 10 words that stand out in these headlines.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Newspaper Activity #3
Stereotyping
Advertisements... Who Do They Want?
How do newspaper advertisements depict male-female stereotyping?
Directions: With a partner, look through a daily newspaper or magazine. Find two (2)
ads that may show male-female stereotyping. Attach these ads to this sheet of paper.
Write the answers to the following questions:
1.
To which sex is the first ad directed?
2.
To which sex is the second ad directed?
2.
How do you know in both ads? Explain.
When you completed the individual ad analysis, answer the following:
1.
What kinds of products/services are marketed to men?
(List at least 4)
2.
What kinds of products/services are marketed to women?
(List at least 4)
3.
How do advertisers use gender stereo-typing to promote their products?
4.
How do the male-oriented ads differ from the female oriented ads? Consider
everything about the ad: the product, colors, text, pictures, etc.
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Newspaper Activity #4
People in the News
Directions: Look through a recent newspaper. List eight people who have been mentioned
in the news. Indicate the reason each person was mentioned and whether a positive or
negative connotation was associated with each individual.
*You may not use sports figures or the obituary section for this activity.
Individual
Reason for Notoriety
Positive or
Negative?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
A.
Number of Positives_______
Number of Negatives_______
B.
What conclusion(s) about people in the news can you draw from looking at the above
information?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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