Blog #11 : EOTO Reaction

This week within my Media Law and Literacy class, we were able to learn from our peers through Each One Teach One. The first time our class was assigned this task, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to present information I researched to my peers, so I was excited to receive the opportunity to participate again. I presented the topic of Mainstream Media, and basically explained what it is and how it influences our modern world. Due to my prior research on Mainstream Media, one of my peer’s presentations on the topic of propaganda resonated the most with me. 

While researching for my own presentation, I learned that MainStream Media was first introduced in the United States during World War I. It was utilized to spread propaganda in a widespread manner  to the citizens at that time.  During wars, propaganda can be considered very dangerous, and may even be considered a weapon. Propaganda during wars illustrates the “enemy,” or other nations and countries, in a poor light, in order to create a false image within the minds of our citizens. This must be one considered one of the most frightening aspects of propaganda, as some of the ideas propagated are meant solely to mislead and depict things that are not often reality.  Essentially, the reason for propaganda is to try to promote specific views to the mass population. While in middle school, I was first introduced to the idea of propaganda, as I studied the Holocaust. I learned about all the propaganda the Nazi Party developed to spread their discriminatory methodology to the citizens of Germany. Propaganda was one of the most important tools the Nazis used to shape the beliefs and attitudes of the German public.  The whole purpose of this propaganda was to influence the minds of Germans concerning what their future should look like. 

Although negative and war associated propaganda is typically what we are introduced to, there is also plenty of positive propaganda that attempts to spread a beneficial message to the public. For example, there has been an immense amount of propaganda to spread the message regarding the consequences of smoking. This is meant to try to create a positive change and influence individuals to quit smoking within our society. Personally, I see two different types of positive propaganda in my own life very frequently. The first may be seen on YouTube or TikTok in the form of advertisements. One example of this propaganda is a short film clip which persuades the audience to stop vaping. It is mostly published online due to the fact that its audience is young adults and teenagers, who are also the largest demographic that is impacted by vaping.  The second type of modern propaganda that I commonly see is on digital signs on major highways. These usually have common slogans that are trying to persuade drivers to stay safe, whether it be to warn of impaired driving or fastening your seatbelt. 

Overall, I believe it was interesting to learn a little more about propaganda, since it was a part of the beginning of MainStream Media.  I also thought it was helpful to enhance my knowledge of the topic in a different setting. Although propaganda is portrayed differently in today's world, it is very interesting to learn about the different types and the traditional forms. Its influence is also something to consider if we were to see our country enter a war again.  Essentially, all types of media are clearly connected in some manner.