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We have responsibility to make informed decisions when we participate in the election process. Oftentimes, propaganda is tough to recognize and sift through as we are bombarded with so much of it. Hopefully, this will help us all read between the lines, weigh facts against purpose and propaganda techniques.

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, Propaganda is defined as:

• the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person

• ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect

Understanding Propaganda Techniques:

Glittering Generalities: Uses important-sounding “glad words” that have little or no real meaning in general statements that cannot be proved or disproved. Words like “good,” “honest,” “fair,” and “best” are examples of “glad” words.Transfer: An attempt to transfer the prestige of a positive symbol to a person or an idea.

Name calling: Is attaching a negative label to a person or a thing, often used to avoid supporting opinion with facts.

Card Stacking: When a series of half-truths are presented to slant a message and/or stack cards in ones favor by omitting key words or unfavorable statistics.

Testimonial: When “big name” personalities are used to endorse a product.

Plain Folks: When people with ordinary looks doing ordinary activities are used to convince us to support someone or something.

Bandwagon: Encourages the everyone else is doing it, so should you mentality.

There are numerous Propaganda Techniques including:

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“Americans are stupid people by and large. We pretty much believe whatever we are told.” —The Wire

After waiting a year for the final season of the best show on television, HBO delivered the goods last night with the premiere of season five: Read Between the Lines.

The Wire is known for authentically depicting all aspects of urban life. Every episode peels back layers of hidden truths that are often startling, uncomfortable, and unforgettable. The season premiere packed a major punch that should serve as a serious wake up call to us all:

The Bigger The Lie, The More They Believe!

Would you say that this is a true statement? Most of us would like to believe that we are highly intelligent…too smart to be hoodwinked or bamboozled. Perhaps some of us are…However, its the majority of us that counts. Considering this is an election year, this assertion is worth examining because

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