MGT420 S4. Distinction between Argument, Persuasion, and Propaganda

Distinction between Argument, Persuasion, and Propaganda
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Distinction between Argument, Persuasion, and Propaganda
In many cases, it is usually difficult to differentiate between an argument, propaganda, and persuasion. All these involve trying to convince someone about something. However, an argument involves engagement between two or more people who provide, exchange and test the reasons for supporting or opposing a claim (Zarefsky, 2019). In an argument, there must be a claim and facts or figures supporting the claim. Propaganda involves communication or delivery of information that is meant to promote a particular cause or point of view, regardless of the truth of the issue at hand (Hakan, 2016). Propaganda involves a lot of bias. Persuasion involves “careful preparation, the proper framing of arguments, the presentation of vivid supporting evidence, and the effort to find the correct emotional match with your audience (Conger, 1998). In persuasion, both the needs of the persuader and the party being persuaded are met.
The recently released advertisement by Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders on YouTube is a good example of a communication that describes propaganda. The advert features an autoworker who speaks positively about Bernie Sanders, pointing out the reason why he will vote for Sanders in the 2020 elections, over all other candidates. The advert also shows other candidates, including President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden, in a bad light (YouTube, 2020). In the advert, Sanders has created a very positive image of himself and a negative one for his opponents. According to Hakan (2016), the creation of a positive image involves the creation of a simple message for the audience, delivery of the message through popular platforms, and enhancing the credibility of the message using proper effects. In the advert, Sanders has done all three. The effects used to enhance the message’s credibility are the auto worker talking positively about Sanders, and the many “voters” cheering Sanders on when he is giving speeches. However, these “voters” are absent when the images of Sanders’ opponents are brought on the screen. Yu (2019) indicates that propaganda is a technique of persuasion where the propagandist uses messages that show them as more competent than other players in the race. The bias in the advert is evident because it promotes Sanders and his political views over his other opponents whose political views are disregarded as unfair to voters. Also, as revealed by Hakan (2016) in propaganda, the flow of information is one way, which allows the propagandist to maintain power. In the advert, information is coming from Sanders and his people and there is no room for feedback. The idea is to gain acceptance of the audience and persuade them the Sanders ideas are better than those of his opponents.
High school debates are a good example that can best describe argumentation. In a debate, opponents and proponents have different points of view or claims on an issue. Each side provides the reasons why they believe thei...