Propaganda... what is it? Before Thursday lecture, I never had a clear definition of the word "propaganda." All I knew is it had to do something with the infamous Hitler. According to Merriam-Webster Online, the definition of propaganda "is the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person." All in all propaganda is used to influence people's opinions.

After thoroughly understanding this word, I realized propaganda is everywhere. It may not be as extreme as Hitler's but it still exist in today’s society. Propaganda may be seen or heard on television commercials, music, movies, and even on the Internet. The most recent propaganda I've come across is an Anti-Tobacco commercial, the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore, and a rap song by Chamillionaire, "Riding Dirty."

First, I'll start off with the Anti-Tobacco commercials. This commercial used to run on television a couple months ago and I found it terribly disturbing.
“The Truth” is an anti-smoking advertising campaign, which derides the tobacco companies. This commercial is clearly propaganda because they are attacking tobacco companies by convincing the public that tobacco companies are killing about 12,000 people a day.

Out of all the propaganda I came across lately, I found the movie, Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore to be the most extreme. A quick summary for those who have not watched it is director Michael Moore criticizes George W. Bush with the war against terrorism. Through footage and interviews, Moore illustrates his argument on how Bush and his administration brought the U.S.A. into worse trouble than ever before and why American citizens should not support Bush’s cause. This movie bashes Bush and on the current war in Iraq. It is a very intense movie and is truly a fine example of propaganda.

Lastly, is the song by rapper Chamillionaire, “Ridin Dirty.” According to the rapper himself the song’s statement is about police racial profiling African Americans.

“They see me rollin’ They hatin' Patrollin and tryin to catch me ridin dirty. My music so loud. I'm swangin.' They hopin that they gonna catch me ridin' dirty.”

This is the chorus of the song and explains police trying to catch Chamillionaire “riding dirty,” meaning racially profiling the rapper, who himself is African American. Chamillioniare is artistically attacking police though his song and are convincing listeners and fans that authorities are racial profiling African Americans, simply based on their race.

These three of these examples all sends out a message to influence opinions and/or behaviors.