Mass Media's Use Influence on Propaganda to the Public - Research Paper Example

Mass Media’s Use Influence on Propaganda to the Public The media has a huge influence on many. The media is able to reach individuals through the use of written, verbal and photographic forms of communication. These different forms of communication influence the public in ways that are not always honest and favorable. The public relies on what the media says. When the media portrays a narrow image of an event, person or idea, the mind of the public continues to grow even narrower. It is certain that the media’s use of propaganda takes advantage of the public’s outlook.

Introduction The purpose of this essay is to explore the theory behind the use of propaganda of mass media to influence and sway the public’s opinion. The Mass media is a huge supplier of information. This information can be obtained from many different sources. The internet, TV and publications are all ways that the mass media can reach the public (Mass Media 2002). When the public is constantly surrounded by mass media, the outlook the public has can easily be persuaded through the use of propaganda.

Some in the media industry may argue this point but there are facts that propaganda can take advantage of the viewer’s outlook. Mass Media Examples Since the mass media is everywhere it is easy to understand how the public can become easily influenced. A good example of some of the first uses of mass media influences are during WWII. During WWII America struggled with so many men being gone at war. These men were away from work and their families. Being gone left women with no choice but to take on a new role.

Women were use to being housewives and their duties entailed cooking, cleaning and taking care of their home. Women had to come out of their comfort zone and join the war or seek jobs. The mass media was a contributor to persuading women to work and join the war. Propaganda was used in these persuasion efforts. This is a popular use of mass media. Rosie the Riveter became the face of propaganda. Posters were put up everywhere (Rosie the Riveter). The posters showed women flying planes and using a wrench.

The purpose of the posters was to show women that is was “popular” to do work that was normally performed by men. Rosie the Riveter somewhat opened the door of propaganda use. Examples like propaganda used during WWII are even more influential today because of the improved forms of communication. It is almost like the mass media takes advantage of the ability to get word out there. This is true in more ways than none. A modern example would be the event that happened on September 11th. On September 11th, a terrorist attack was made on the World Trade Center and the United States Pentagon.

These attacks were made my Muslim extremist. After the attacks the media in America quickly fought back. Movies were made that portrayed Muslims as terrorist. Comics were published in newspapers that showed Muslims having trouble getting in to the airport after September 11th. All of these mass media influences placed a stereotype and negative image on the Arab community in the United States. Many Arab Americans were scared because of the harsh treatment they received from the mass media influence (A Year of Living Nervously).

Probably the most controversial use of propaganda by the media is the tobacco companies’ use of media to advertise. An article by Josefson, explains that teenagers are a huge targeted market for tobacco companies. The tobacco companies use propaganda to persuade. The famous Camel Joe is a good example. Camel Joe is a cartoon character that smokes. Children look up to cartoon characters. Using a cartoon character to advertise tobacco products is a popular and controversial way to promote smoking.

The character Camel Joe was used in all different forms of mass media. Camel Joe was placed on bill boards, magazines and television commercials. Conclusion Mass Medias large outreach is what enables the mass media to reach so many. The ability to reach so many can get the word out there about an image, idea or event. The mass media can be a good way to describe, or a negative way to narrow the public’s minds. The modern public has become very dependent on the mass media. Many rely on the media to keep updated on current events.

The mass media keeps the public informed. It is definitely certain that the use of propaganda has a way to influence the public above any other source. Propaganda comes in many different forms and cab be used in many ways. Propaganda throughout history has proven to be a successful motivator and advertiser by the mass media. Finally, there is nothing wrong with the use of propaganda to persuade the public. The only problem with using propaganda in mass media influence is when the propaganda is used in a negative controversial matter.

Works Cited "Mass Media." World of Criminal Justice, Gale. Farmington: Gale, 2002. Credo Reference. Web. 31 March 2011. Rosie the Riveter. [serial online]. n.d.;Available from: XRefer XML, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 31, 2011. A year of living nervously. [serial online]. n.d.;Available from: Economist, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 31, 2011. Josefson D. Tobacco company targeted marketing campaign at teenagers. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) [serial online]. January 31, 1998;316(7128):330. Available from: MEDLINE with Full Text, Ipswich, MA.

Accessed March 31, 2011.