The East York-Riverdale Mirror

Their concern lay in the fact that social manipulation, rather than the logic and facts that had previously characterized democratic life in America, was winning important debates too often.

To help remedy this situation, Clyde R. Miller and other concerned citizens formed the Institute for Propaganda Analysis, whose reports and publications are still relevant today.

One of the great discoveries made by the institute was the seven basic devices employed in propaganda campaigns to manipulate public opinion.

These are name-calling, glittering generality, transfer, testimonials, plain folks, card stacking and bandwagon.

Name-calling is the definition of groups or individuals with a negative label such as socialist, yuppie or terrorist in order to tear down their status and credibility in a debate.

Glittering generality are virtue words such as good, patriotic or civilized, where the user manipulates their definition to suit their own purposes and to keep others from using those words in a debate.

Transference (transfer) is the linking of important symbols such as flags, monuments, historic events or intuitions to policies or issues in order to legitimize them and thus end debate as well.

Likewise, statements given out by respected individuals to give legitimacy to ideas, issues or policies and squash criticism by less respected people are an example of the testimonial.

The presentation of leaders or spokespeople as being no different from you or me is an example of plain folk, which aims to make the opposition look like outsiders who are different and not to be trusted.

Card stacking is where you ensure the public does not know about opposing arguments or alternative ideas, while ensuring your own points get as much coverage as possible.

Last, and most important, is making sure that being on the bandwagon of a particular idea or policy is seen as being the only place to be, unless you want to be thought of as being different, unusual or just plain stupid.

The institute believed it was important for people to understand how these devices worked in order to overcome their negative effect upon open democratic debate.

Unfortunately, today's propagandists employ these devices freely to build public support for a cause, while knocking down those who oppose it, because they work well.

However, you have one great tool to counter propaganda devices and that is the question "why."

Over the next few months, we are going to be swimming in a virtual ocean of propaganda as all three levels of government come under increasing pressure to change and adjust their policies.

You will be encouraged to jump on various bandwagons, honour testimonials, respect values and embrace various ideas, symbols and causes.

The labeling and vilification of politicians, individuals and journalists will certainly take place, while facts and information will likely be controlled and manipulated.

Always ask why.