Propaganda's influence

Propaganda have been a source of influence around the world to get people act a way, and buy products and services. The German military (Hitler) was one of the major contributors in using this tool help pump a nation after  being defeated in World War I, while portraying jews, homosexuals, and people who oppose his leadership as the enemy. The power of propaganda contributed in the genocide of millions of jews.

            Nowadays corporate companies have made their movement in advertising by promoting products, services and attitudes in order to attract an audience. Agencies think carefully about the consumer they want to attract, such as age, class, ethnical groups, or gender, as well as location. They also make sure to overplay their advertisement in as many places as possible. When it comes to children they know colors,exciting characters, and loud sounds attract them, therefore they create cartoons such as spongebob and Barney as characters who will win them over. In order to get parents in on the buying process, they have added lessons within these cartoons, such as Dora the Explorer a young bilingual character that teaches children how to speak spanish. In this case corporate companies take on a parents need and a child's desire.

            When it comes to teenagers advertisements they have concentrated on the confusing time in their lives. The adolescent phase is a time when they are looking to be independent individuals with voices that matter. Advertisements have gone above and beyond to get their attention. Television has been one of their main resources to attract attention, but you can now find them on popular social networking sites such as facebook. If one were to take a quick look at MTV, you can easily see the rebellious attitudes that are being displayed as “cool.” Jersey Shore is one of the most popular shows amongst American teengers that have encouraged drinking, partying, and fighting as an exciting way to live. The problem with this is that these kids are not being exposed to the truth, that these dangerous activities can end up with severe consequences that could limit their opportunities in the future. In Makers are storming the Schoolhouse, by Michael J. Sandel he goes on to say “The purpose of advertising is to recruit consumers; the purpose of public schools is to cultivate citizens,” he clearly distinguishes the way two sides of society treats young adult, one tries to better their character while the other tries to use manipulate him/her into selling them a product.

            Advertisement/Propaganda has and will continue to be effective sources in society for good and egregious reasons One should pay close attention to the advertisement by thinking rationally about their intentions. As a member of society, everyone should advocate for what they believe is right. Just because advertisements come from big corporate companies it doesn’t mean they are fully in control. Not buying into advertisement is power.