Masses have been moved by propaganda
By: Jennifer Christine
Tags: 2016 Election

Retrieved from Google Images

1/29/19

We have all seen numerous ads and visuals of propaganda throughout the decades, whether it be war/political, women’s rights, or even sales/advertising. Has what we have seen in these ads moved masses? Absolutely. Is modern propaganda in 2019 still moving masses? Absolutely.

I would like to talk about some political propaganda that made a difference in my life, and what continues to change/inspire/frighten me, and possibly the lives of other Americans in recent times.

In 2008 the United States was in financial turmoil, and it appeared that Americans were starting to feel the effects of political divide within our beliefs, wants, needs, etc. President George W. Bush’s approval ratings were dropping significantly with the decline of the US housing/financial market, and life was looking very bleak for thousands of struggling, working-class citizens. On the horizon is Barack Obama, a US senator from Chicago, offering a glimpse of hope to those in desolate situations speaking promises of change, and a new plan for the country. Many, including myself, believed him to be the next JFK. It was at this time that the infamous “Hope” artwork with his face on the front of it was released during the presidential election. This propaganda was an example of the revolution that our country’s youth was forming. Here is an African American man coming in to change the narrative in which wealthy, white men were in control of for so many generations. Subsequently however, this particular revolt created a lot of hype and high expectation that made it incredibly difficult for the president to live up to, especially considering the obstacles he faced with a broken justice system in Congress, and the state of financial ruin that affluent, selfish politicians and business owners previously inflicted on the country. Not to mention, his skin color alone was a major concern that many people were unwilling to see past.

Jump ahead to 2016, during the next presidential election. A vast difference in political, moral, and ethical views from Republican nominee, Donald Trump. But alas, our country was filled with voices of Americans who were tired of the Obama era narrative that always included acceptance, and appreciation of all the walks of life that inhabited the country. People were “tired of their voices being ignored.” Donald Trump promised to bring back a sense of “happiness” and “security” that many Americans felt prior to Obama taking office, and that’s where the next political propaganda came in: the MAGA phrase. This infamous slogan translates to “Make America Great Again.” Now, Donald Trump’s motives behind this phrase are only known to him, and we might never know the true purpose behind it. However this slogan has come to represent that America is against immigration, homosexuality, women’s rights, and people of color, to name a few. This phrase single-handedly changed the narrative for Republicans and conservatives all across the country, and subsequently affected the lives of all the people whom the hat and phrase are seemingly against.

It is clear to see how the power of propaganda is strong, and continues to live on in America, even in modern times of significant advancements and achievements. This divided country’s beliefs are challenged on a daily basis through social media outlets that have an unapologetic agenda; whether it be liberal or conservative, propaganda fuels, and feeds into many of these agendas and narratives.