Blog #11 EOTO #2 Reaction

A presentation that I found interesting was Propaganda. When I think of propaganda, I always think of something negative or a serious political issue. Propaganda is the use of symbols, images, and information to influence opinions. I learned that propaganda is not just in politics, it is in everything in life. 

Propaganda is mainly used in a negative sense especially to divide people or promote stereotypes about groups of people. It can be used to make people feel emotional or even challenge their beliefs. Mainly because of its connection to many wars and political matters such as WWII, Pearl Hober, Cold War and many more. I often connect it to division and violence.

An Example of propaganda being used to divide people is the United States-China competition. Media in the US has intentionally used information to demonize China for responding back with tariffs on America good. When the United States put tariffs on China first, now it has started a Trade War. Especially how the current president’s administration talks about China trying to get the public reaction.

The United States President, Donald Trump is now on the news trying to paint China has the problem and aggressor in this matter. It can encourage people to think negatively of China just based on his words to the public which is dangerous. As it can encourage people to start treating people of Chinese descent differently. I think hearing both sides can make a difference in situations like this. As words hold power to change people mind.

However, propaganda is not always negative, it can be used to spread awareness or encourage people to change unhealthy habits like Anti-smoking ads. It can help people stop their addictions and get help from therapy so they can improve their health. I also found that anti-smoking campaigns are the most successful in helping people realize that they are putting themselves in harm from that product.

This resonates with me because I know many people my age and family members who have been smoking for a long time. I remember always seeing those videos about people using a device to talk and it made me emotional for those people because they can never have a normal life again without a machine. It has even made me advocate for people to stop smoking because I don’t want them to get cancer and I want them to live a healthy life.

Overall, my perspective has changed about propaganda because I always thought of it as a negative thing like stereotypes, politics matters. However, when I actually think about it, there are some positive campaigns that actually aim to help people.