INFORMATION AND PROPAGANDA:THE TWO ARE NOT THE SAME
... A problem stemming from this statement is that it contains both information and propaganda. Even a statement as simple as this one sentence can create much confusion of what the statement is really intended to mean. As statements get longer and more complex determining the nature of the statement only gets more difficult. A similar statement in which would contain propaganda alone would be, “Joe Doe is the best candidate because he is the most qualified.” This statement is merely trying to convince people that he is the best candidate. There are no facts included that suggest that he is the most qualified, therefore the statement is propaganda. On the other hand, a statement that contains information alone would be, “Joe Doe has been a senator for fifteen years, longer than any other candidate running for president.” This statement is strictly fact based. It is not proposing that he is the best but just that he has been a senator for the longest. Upon gaining a simple understanding of information and propaganda, one can move into more complex definitions of each of the words. The Webster’s New World College Dictionary gives more complex definitions. Information, as it is defined in The Webster’s New World College Dictionary, had seven different parts. The three definitions relevant to the comparison of information to propaganda are: knowledge defined in any manor, something told, or being informed. Deeper examination of these meanings, in combination with the first definitions stated in the Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus, shows that the longer definitions could be summed up into the original definition of facts told, heard, or discovered. Even looking for definitions in a more complex dictionary can be simplified by looking more into which definitions apply to the context of the situation. The Webster’s New World College Dictionary had three definitions for propaganda, two of which were relevant. The first definition is any systematic, widespread dissemination or promotion of particular ideas, doctrines, practices, etc. to further one’s own cause or to damage an opposing one. The second definition states that propaganda is ideas, doctrines, or allegations so spread: now often used disparagingly to connote deception or distortion. Both of these definitions can be said simpler with the original definition from the Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus. In linking the simpler definitions to those that are more complex, one should be able to use this understanding of the difference between propaganda and information to understand more difficult examples of propaganda and information. A major source of confusion between information and propaganda stems from politics and politicians. Politicians...