Identify Propaganda: How Does this Piece Exemplify Three Characteristics of Propaganda - Essay Example

 Identify Propaganda: How Does this Piece Exemplify Three Characteristics of Propaganda Looking at this picture and roughly translating the words, the message is loud and clear, "my boy is covered, no matter what happens." So begins the brainwashing that propaganda aims for. If something is presented enough times, via as many media sources as possible, then ultimately, it becomes part of the culture, an acceptable aspect of everyday life, assimilated wisdom. This particular piece first draws the eye to the cute, smiling baby.

Reading the words beneath the picture alerts us to something more sinister than a mere moan about advertising. It demands a closer inspection.Looking closely at where each advertising logo is place on the child, the argument that propaganda aims at uniformity is well supported. But of course, it is delivered with clever subtlety and to the naked eye, or the passing glance, may not even be identified. Windows and Kodak logos are place at the head and eyes. The message here is that the thinking and seeing processes will be enhanced by using these products, we should all be using them in order to ensure the safety and security of our own and our children's senses.

The financial advertising on the torso infers that wrapping oneself in monetary security is a necessary and laudable act, something we should all do. The most telling are the food and drink logos, conspicuously placed on the stomach area. Everyone should be drinking Scwepps products, Lite beer, and of course eating McDonalds and we would then all be wearing a happy smile like the baby! The Sports Illustrated, the Nike sign, from head to fist to foot, suggests that we can all be strong and athletic.

There is no doubt that this uniformity exists, for almost anywhere on Earth, the McDonald arch can be found, their products accepted and happily consumed. Similarly, Windows is perceived to be a necessity for any computer user, big or small. We all know it, have it, it makes us the same as our neighbor, our boss and the government of the country.Which leads into the argument in favor of the ideological concept of the piece. The items displayed on the child strongly reflect the beliefs, ideas and aspirations of a capitalist society.

It is interesting to note the male and female hands holding the child upwards, incorporating the idea that those in power support these ideals. Many of the logos represent huge, rich, multinational corporations. In this there is a symbolism reflecting capitalist values and the resultant success of such a system. The inference being, that by using the products, personal success is achievable. Fascism, Marxism and Communism are often quoted as examples of aspirational ideologies, but are in direct opposition to capitalist interests and the political systems which support them.

In contrast to the perceived 'evils' of such totalitarian societies, the innocence of the baby suggests a safety and purity in the ideals represented in the advertising/propaganda displayed here.Finally, there is no doubt that the statement regarding the use of consumer advertisements is true and that by such overload, the reasoning process is affected. Society has become accustomed to seeing, hearing and reading that this will do that for you, life can be made easier, happier, safer, more enjoyable.

Because this has become the accepted norm of everyday experience, the is no longer a need to think about anything too deeply, to make rational choices. If so many people know about something, why not accept that 'something' without question This is the point at which the use of mass media and the demise of rational thinking tend to overlap. Considering once more the baby's body art, everything displayed represents what has become familiar, known, just part of life. So what is there to think about, why seek different products or information There is absolutely no need to put yourself to the trouble, because here it all is, tried, tested, and trusted.

It would require too much effort to think about investigating other sources or products not so well-known or represented on our baby, so we just can save ourselves the hassle and accept what appears to be common knowledge. It is somehow a stark warning regarding the loss of individual choice and self- determination. It also raises the question as to who wants society to be this way, and why Who stands to gain the most.