Techniques of Propaganda used in the Madeleine McCann case

Sources:
SourceWatch
Wikipedia-Propaganda

Examples from the Madeleine McCann case
More to follow - suggestions and insights are welcome.

(Please note: I am breaking these up into individual posts and it is taking some time. Thanks for your patience.)

A number of techniques are used to create messages which are persuasive, but false. Many of these same techniques are by definition logical fallacies since propagandists use arguments which, although sometimes convincing, are not necessarily valid.

It is essential to have some knowledge of the following techniques for generating propaganda. (In other words - this knowledge is very helpful when trying to sort the wheat from the chaff.):

Continue Reading... Labels: CEOP, Jim Gamble, Madeleine McCann, propaganda

Appeal to Authority

Appeal to Authority:
Authority is evoked as the last word on an issue.
Appeals to authority cite prominent figures to support a position idea, argument, or course of action.

This sort of reasoning is fallacious when the person in question is not an expert. In such cases the reasoning is flawed because the fact that an unqualified person makes a claim does not provide any justification for the claim. The claim could be true, but the fact that an unqualified person made the claim does not provide any rational reason to accept the claim as true. Since people have a tendency to believe authorities, this fallacy is a fairly common one.

Continue Reading... Labels: CEOP, Jim Gamble, Madeleine McCann, propaganda

Testimonial

Testimonial:

Testimonials are quotations, in or out of context, especially cited to support or reject a given policy, action, program, or personality. The reputation or the role (expert, respected public figure, etc.) of the individual giving the statement is exploited.

Continue Reading... Labels: CEOP, Jim Gamble, Madeleine McCann, propaganda

Glittering Generalities, Euphemisms and Slogans

Glittering Generalities: 
This technique uses important-sounding "glad words" that have little or no real meaning. These words are used in general statements that cannot be proved or disproved. Words like "good," "honest," "fair," and "best" are examples of "glad" words.

Continue Reading... Labels: CEOP, Jim Gamble, Madeleine McCann, propaganda