Power of Propaganda Forum: Alabama SciFi Fandom Forum Re: 'Starship' Rules! But why so much Nazi imagery? (SuperTrooper) Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 00:48:54 GMT From: Beyonder Frighteningly, the style of propaganda used by the Nazis is actually quite similar to some political ads that are now becoming mainstream. Watch the Hitler propaganda movie "Triumph of the Will," and compare it to the campaign videos now shown at America's national political conventions. There are striking similarities. First, the message in "Triumph of the Will" is simplified to pure emotionalism. Never mind logic. Never mind facts, figures or politics. People don't like to have to think too hard. So, "Triumph of the Will" has almost no dialogue for the first half. Just emotion-triggering images. Similarly, Ronald Reagan's 1984 convention video ("Morning in America"?) was short on words and heavy on pictures. I'll bet Clinton's 1996 convention video was the same. The specific images that triggered emotion in "Triumph of the Will" were images common in political advertising by American incumbents: the national flag, hard-working men, happy families, prosperity among those who support the party line. "Triumph of the Will" also made strong use of patriotic music. Reagan's 1984 video helped popularize the song "I'm Proud to Be an American." Clinton's political conventions have been rock concerts. Clinton even reunited Fleetwood Mac! The impact of music on politics is epitomized by MTV's Rock the Vote during recent election years. "Triumph of the Will" called people to honor their aged, national roots. Many American politicians do the same today, calling on citizens to uphold "sacred traditions" -- or at least to uphold the traditions that will advance the politicians' careers. This call to tradition is usually linked to a call for rootless, disenfranches people to join an active, caring community. Finally, "Triumph of the Will" featured almost no men who not members of the Nazi army, and all of those men were depicted as strong, handsome youths. The subliminal message was obvious: "You're not a real *man* unless you join us." Similarly, politicians generally portray their points of view as the only valid ones, and imply that anyone who disagrees is somehow sluglike, stupid and evil. This type of propaganda appeals to people who feel insecure about their own ideas. This type of propaganda is especially effective at times of crisis, when people are looking for "strong" leaders, and want to blame their problems on scapegoats. And here's something else to consider: These same methods of persuasion utilized by the Nazis are not only used everyday by politicians, but are also used by marketers to sell everything from toothpaste to sneakers. Every single day, Americans are bombarded with propaganda that follows the very principles I outlined. Let's review: 1. Keep the message simple. ("Just do it.") 2. Pictures, not words. (Calvin Klein ads.) 3. Appeals to be part of a community. ("The Pepsi Generation.") 4. Appeals to insecurities. (Stay away from "greasy kid stuff" and "medicine breath.") 5. Demonize the opposition. (AT&T vs. Sprint, Burger King vs. McDonald's, Duracell vs. Energizer) Follow these simple rules of propaganda, and someday YOU TOO may become a fascist dictator!