All throughout time people were told what to think. They were told what to listen to and what to watch. this is still present today and it is stronger than ever. It is called propaganda. It is the usage of ideas and opinions by a group or individuals to influence people's decisions with whatever program they have designed that alludes to predetermined ends. It is used also to gain favor for the program they have designed. A great example of how propaganda is used to influence people is the campaign that the Hitler's Nazi regime employed extensively during World War Two. Another example are the recent events that have occurred in the United States after September 11th such as the fund raisers and most notably the american flags that fly in front of every home as well as the sense of patriotism that Americans feel. Lets not forget the war on terrorism. In both cases the usage of propaganda is responsible
During World War two germany was led by Hitler. He did'nt have total power but had enough to carry out his revenge plan. As the war progressed, support for the war in Germany faded. Hitler needed to convince the country that Germany could be great. He attacked the German population with nationalist propaganda that was aimed at convincing people that continuing the war would make those that stand against Germany suffer. He played on the patriotism and pride of the people in Germany and many wanted to see Germany great so they supported Hitler. How is it supposed this was done? Everyday flyers and public broadcast announcements were distributed and broadcast. Literature was packed with Nazi propaganda. Through it's usage Hitler attacked citizens with a barrage of nationalistic propaganda that was inescapable. It was highly effective. He essentially let them see and hear only what he wanted them to.
In the United States after September 11 the word Taliban became a household word and Osama Bin Laden's name was on everyone's tongue. Their actions were enough to prompt the United States into action. Again propaganda is used to make people believe that a war on terrorism is necessary. It implies that every american has a patriotic side that wants to get even. It plays on their moral sense with the war on terrorism being good and Bin Laden and his group being evil. Support was gained. Proof of that are the american flags that fly across the nation. They mean justice and liberty. That is what everyone thinks they want only they dont know any better as they are influenced by pro-war propaganda.
Certainly it can be seen through the examples in the past and present that propaganda has influenced the way they feel towards something. After all the word propaganda does mean the usage of ideas and opinions to influence people with programs designed to allude to predetermined ends. It was shown by Hitler and his Nazi's that it can be effective if used properly. The right propaganda can win support for any designed program. It was demonstrated by the United States as they needed to make the war on terrorrism a valid reason for punishment. Support was gained. Propaganda is a very powerful tool and can influence a decision without the person realizing what is happening. It tells you what to hear with your ears and what to see with your eyes.