Propaganda is often very “cool,” it is a part of its charm. Students in the class examine how propaganda affects them, and part of this study is done through the PBS production of “Merchants of Cool.” The links bellow should also be helpful in helping students understand the topic of propaganda through a variety of ways.
Understanding the Origins of Merchandising and Advertising
When the Government Calls the Media is a “Good Boy”
This is an NPR editorial that gives an account of how the media listens to the Government’s appeal to either stop delivering news or delay news in the interest of either national security or other questions of perception
http://www.npr.org/rundowns/segment.php?wfId=1874579
The Media and their Power to influence our information
FAIR is a non-profit organization in the United States that keeps track of the Media and their reporting. This site would be a great resource for the Propaganda Project in our Propaganda Unit.
Who’s Democracy Is It Anyway?
Here, NPR explores the reality of decreasing turnout in voting in the US and why Americans are not exercising their most basic right and responsibility as Americans in increasing numbers. Very useful information to think about in relation to our Identity Unit.
http://www.npr.org/news/specials/democracy/index.html
Online Caricature Political Cartoons
This website takes you on a tour of political cartoons from the past. Interesting for itself, but a great resource for the Propaganda Project.
http://www.indiana.edu/~liblilly/cartoon/cartoons.html
Other related websites to look through:
Propaganda and Advertising: PBS Kids Media Smart
LivingRoom Candidate Fact Checker: Are they telling the truth in their ads?
Is it ethical?, TV and Health, Kids and tobacco, Leading youth marketer