How has propaganda changed over time? How do I resist it today?

The essence of propaganda consists in winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally, that in the end they succumb to it utterly and can never again escape from it.

— written by Joseph Goebbels in his diary

The word propaganda didn't always carry negative connotations. Over time, however, its meaning has shifted, and in the modern era it has become pervasive and highly persuasive.

Recognizing propaganda will allow you to resist it and not be manipulated by it.

The word propaganda was first used in 1622 when the Catholic church created a group called Congregatio de Propaganda Fide to spread its religion.

Its goal? To spread Catholicism in response to the Protestant Reformation.

Back then, the word just meant "sharing ideas or beliefs" but it wasn't associated with lying or manipulation.

The meaning of propaganda changed during World War I and II, when it was used to deceive and manipulate entire populations.

Governments used media, posters, films, and speeches to control how people thought about the war, the enemy, and even their own country.

Example: The Corpse Factory Hoax (1917)

During WWI, British newspapers falsely claimed that Germany was running a “corpse factory” to boil down dead soldiers’ bodies for soap, lubricants, and explosives.

Purpose: To make Germany look barbaric and stir hatred and fear, especially in neutral countries like the U.S.

The story was completely false, based on a distorted report about processing animal remains. It was deliberate propaganda to boost morale and support for the war.

Impact: Many years later, people doubted real reports of Nazi crimes in WWII, thinking it was another lie.

Over time, propaganda has expanded beyond politics. Today, it’s used in marketing, media, and industry.

It often relies on real facts, but shows only a selective part to create a specific impression or influence belief.

The goal is the same: shape how people think and feel. Just like snake charmers use illusions to capture attention, propaganda uses similar tricks to grab focus and shape reactions.

In the video below, philosophy professor Jason Stanley explains how propaganda works in modern times:

Example: Iraq and Weapons of Mass Destruction (2003)

In 2003, U.S. and U.K. leaders claimed Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) to justify invading the country.

Facts used: Iraq had used chemical weapons in the 1980s, and some intelligence reports suggested possible weapons programs.

What was left out:

• UN inspectors found no solid evidence of active WMDs.

• Conflicting intelligence was ignored.

• Some claims, like Iraq buying uranium from Africa, were later proven false.

Result: The public was persuaded with selective facts, while the full picture was hidden. No WMDs were ever found after the invasion.

In the 1920s, bacon wasn’t a common breakfast food in the U.S. That changed thanks to a marketing campaign by Edward Bernays, the "father of public relations."

Bernays was hired by the Beech-Nut Packing Companyto help sell their bacon. Here's how he did it:

• Bernays asked doctors if a hearty breakfast was healthier than a light one.

• Most said yes — and Bernays promoted this as a "scientific fact".

• He then linked bacon and eggs to that "hearty breakfast" in newspapers, radio, and ads.

What would have been necessary for this campaign NOT to be considered propaganda?

A. Including objective information and allowing people to make their own conclusions

B. Making the ads more entertaining and eye-catching.

C. Asking more doctors to recommend bacon specifically.

D. Using emotional language to emphasize how delicious bacon is.

Human perception is limited — we often see only part of the picture.

Propaganda exploits this by shaping what we notice and believe. Staying aware, asking questions, and seeking full context helps us see more clearly.

To resist propaganda, you must:

• Distinguish facts from opinions.

• Use critical thinking.

• Avoid rushed judgments.

Example: Edward R. Murrow & Joseph McCarthy

In the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy fueled panic with claims of communist infiltration in the U.S. government.

In 1954, Edward R. Murrow went on national TV and calmly called out McCarthy’s fear tactics — like labeling critics as communist sympathizers without solid proof. He used McCarthy’s own words to show the public what was really happening.

By sticking to facts, he helped Americans wake up and eventually bring an end to the McCarthy era. It's a good example of resisting propaganda and helping others withstand it.

Remember, resisting propaganda is an ongoing process.

It requires curiosity, patience, and the willingness to challenge your own beliefs.

By doing so, we protect ourselves from manipulation and contribute to a more informed society.