AP Notes 93-95

Question 1

PROPAGANDA: SCAPEGOAT:

Answer 1

This is often use with Guilt-by-association to defect scrutiny away from the issues. It transfers blame to one person or group of people without investigating complexities of the issue. Examples:”George W. Bush got us into Iraq”, “President Reagan caused the national debt”.

Question 2

PROPAGANDA:ARTIFICIAL DICHOTOMY:

Answer 2

This is when someone tries to claim there are only two sides to an issue and that both sides must have equal presentation in order to be evaluated. This technique is used to dupe us into believing there is only one way to look at an issue, when in fact there may be many alternative viewpoints or “sides”. Like most propaganda techniques it simplifies reality and therefore distorts it, often to the advantage of the speaker. A classic example is the “intelligent design” versus “evolution” controversy.

Question 3

PROPAGANDA DEIFICATION:

Answer 3

This is when an idea is made to appear holy, sacred, or very special and therfore above all law. Any alternative or opposite points of view are thereby given the appearance of treason or blasphemy. Examples: “God-given right to…”, “Mother Earth”, “Gia.