SnitchSeeker.com - History of Magic Lesson 2

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- Term 21: January-April 2009 (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-21-january-april-2009/)

- - History of Magic Lesson 2 (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-21-january-april-2009/history-of-magic-lesson-2-a-62327/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoT (Post 7840625)

"I see you are all fairly aware of what Propaganda is." Ethan noted, "Thank you for your example there, Abby. Can anyone else provide examples from the Wizarding World, or suggest situations where propaganda may have been used in our history?

Ethan paused, "And a reminder to all of you to raise your hand before answering. I know I have been fairly lenient and often we get a bit eager to share our ideas; but if you are all calling out at once I can't hear my music at all and that simply will not do." Ethan winked at the class and swung his feet off the desk, sitting up and looking around.

She rolled her eyes at his wink. That was totally cheesy. She tried to keep her face straight as she listened to the class. I'm here for my house, she kept repeating in her head.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoT (Post 7840703)

"Ah yes, some of the things they did would indeed be classified as propaganda. In fact there is a well known tale that was rewritten for Pureblooded and anti-muggle advocates." Ethan stood up and walked to the front of his desk, leaning against it.

"Yes Abby; I would most certainly consider that to be propaganda."

"You aren't at all off track. Not all propaganda is on the side of the 'bad' guys." Ethan waggled his fingers, making quotation marks in the air as he spoke.

"Very good. Sometimes 'known facts' are indeed a result of propaganda."

"It could have been." Ethan agreed, "And I suggest you all keep an eye on the current climate at the Ministry; make a note whether or not propaganda is used in the upcoming elections."

Truebridge paused, "Any other ideas?"

She raised her hand, "Well all the facts that were put out there by white slave owners in America during their period of slavery. Like how black people were too primitive to learn how to read, or that they couldn't see in the dark and thats why they couldn't serve in the Revolutionary War. And even some of the things they published about Africa is propaganda." She explained. "But if you want good propaganda, that would be like how a raw food diet is good and healthy for you, but it might also be dangerous." She added.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amira With a C (Post 7840707)

Camira raised her hand after a moment of thinking. "In 2054 - 55ish, Hogsmeade was attacked by Lord Voldemortist. Ms. Leiden came to Hogwarts to question Staff and somehow it turned into accusations against them. Dempsey Doodle wrote articles during that time that further accused the Staff of certain dark practices in the school. From there, it just got worse. Professors were removed, some imprisoned and on and so forth. I would definitely consider propaganda used in this instance. It seems as though Mr. Doodle and Ms. Leiden used people's fear of another dark lord to get away with things they shouldn't have been able to get away with."

"Someone is prepared I see." Ethan nodded in agreement, "You are completely right."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Boy (Post 7840732)

"How about the wizards, not telling th muggles the truth? Thats Propaganda right?" said Barry, this was a guess.

"Ah, not precisely, Barry. But one might consider the way we allow ourselves to be portrayed in Muggle stories and legends as a type of propaganda." Ethan explained.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rachie..x (Post 7840734)

Vanessa put her hand in air again, as she thought about another idea. "Related to the pureblood idea, Could the idea of certain houses being higher than other houses, in the past. This would be have been because it was passed along generations, meaning that when the children came to Hogwarts it meant that if they were sorted into a certain house that they were better than everyone else. Just because what they were told by others"

"That is a good point. " He paused, "Though I'd like to point out that Slytherins hardly need someone telling us how awesome we are." He nodded, "And I suspect each house feels the same way. Which proves how our beliefs and values are shaped by history."

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolgirl97 (Post 7840766)

Hannah Leigh placed her hand in the air again, and smiled.
"Well, a form of positive propoganda might be these pamphlets I saw, at this museum-it was 'how to protect yourself from Voldemort'. From Harry Potter's time."

"Ah thank you for an example of positive propaganda." Ethan nodded at the girl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. Weasley (Post 7840781)

Abby raises her hand. "The Muggle Studies classes Alecto Carrow could be called propaganda. She painted a false picture of muggle."

Quote:

Originally Posted by druidflower (Post 7840802)

Tobi raised his hand again, "By the same token, the entirety of whose-her-face... Professor Umbridge, I think? Her Defence Against the Dark Arts Classes were LOADED with propaganda, in that she said there was no need to learn a practical approach."

"Now you are all thinking!" Zan nodded.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedwig18 (Post 7840804)

Ana raised her hand "And all the things that Umbridge did. That could be propaganda right?"

"Not all the things. But you are thinking along the right track."

He looked at Professor Lupa, "You can stay... as long as you like. In fact..." he patted a spot on his desk next to where he was perched, "Make yourself comfortable."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin (Post 7840817)

Copernicus raised his hand. "Professor, many of the things that Muggles believe about magic and magical creatures come from old fairy stories and word of mouth myths that some theorize were spread by past generations to discourage Muggle curiosity."

"Ah yes! And that is precisely what we will be looking at in the next lesson. For this lesson however, I wish to focus in particular on news media and how it effects our history. Whether it is propaganda or otherwise." Ethan nodded to himself, resisting the urge to hum along to the record, "The trick is recognising what is propaganda and what is not. Does anyone know what the seven standard methods of propaganda are? If you could just share one that would be great."

Varius offerend, "Is name calling one?"

Tobi raised his hand, "There is Plain Folks, it makes the leader of the organisation easier to relate to because they're supposedly just like you, they're the average Joe Wizard so they're MUST be looking out for your interests, they're the same as yours."

Hannah Leigh rose her arm-which was getting quite tired and smiled.
"Transfer: Associating yourself with trusted others. Like if someone said, 'As I was saying to the Minister, it is so important that we bring our forces together. He agreed, of course and we will be taking it forward next week.'"

Elizabeth raised her hand again, after remaining silent for a while, simply listening, taking notes, and wodnering what was going to happen next. "Well, one of the seven standard methods of propaganda is 'lesser of two evils.' As in trying to convince people something is better just because it is not as bad, offensive, etc. And it's used a lot during wartime to convince people to make sacrifices and stuff."

Copernicus wasn't sure, but he raised his hand. "Is one method the Bandwagon? As in... 'everyone else is doing it'. I knew peer pressure was dangerous."

Tobi raised his hand again, thinking of another, "Card-stacking is one too, isn't it? The group builds a really biased case for their side, it doesn't have to be all true, mind you, there just has to be so much information you kind of get lost in it."

Abby raises her hand. "One of them would be 'glittering generalities.

Quote:

Propagandists employ vague, sweeping statements (often slogans or simple catchphrases) using language associated with values and beliefs deeply held by the audience without providing supporting information or reason. They appeal to such notions as honor, glory, love of country, desire for peace, freedom, and family values. The words and phrases are vague and suggest different things to different people but the implication is always favorable. It cannot be proved true or false because it really says little or nothing at all. The Institute of Propaganda Analysis suggests a number of questions we should ask ourselves if we are confronted with this technique: What do the slogans or phrases really mean? Is there a legitimate connection between the idea being discussed and the true meaning of the slogan or phrase being used? What are the merits of the idea itself if it is separated from the slogans or phrases?

Camira raised her hand. "Glittering Generalities is one of them. It involves the use of highly valued concepts and beliefs which attract general approval and acclaim. These are vague, emotionally attractive words like ‘freedom‘, ‘honor‘ and ‘love‘. "

Terry raised a hand into the air, 'Doesn't one of them include 'card-stacking' sir? Where you're completely piling up the views of one side of the argument while at the same time suppressing the opposing view?'

Tobi raised his hand one last time, "And the Testimonial," he said with a bad taste in his mouth, " it's like the endorsement of an person supposedly not involved to make it all more legitimate."

Abby raises her hand again. "Propagandist also use a technique called transfer.

Quote:

This is a technique used to carry over the authority and approval of something you respect and revere to something the propagandist would have you accept. One does this by projecting the qualities of an entity, person or symbol to another through visual or mental association.

This stimulates the recipient and makes him/her identify with recognized authorities.

William fell silent, as his resources were dwindling exponentially and he had no idea what they were talking about now. Sitting back in his chair he let everyone else go ahead and answer, knowing he'd be able to reply soon.

Juniper's hand shot into the air. "Repetition of important phrases," she said.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoT (Post 7840841)

He looked at Professor Lupa, "You can stay... as long as you like. In fact..." he patted a spot on his desk next to where he was perched, "Make yourself comfortable."

She smiled and looked at the spot next to him. "Well... If you insist..." She said making her way to the front of the class and sitting by him. She eyed the kitty cat... and with her eyes taunted her. She then turned to the professor and said "Let me know if I can... assist... you with anything..." She winked at the professor.

Mariska sat next to Elizabeth, wondering silently to herself where everyone had gotten these answers from. Of course, she had read but she really couldn't keep anything like this in her head for a long time. However she was duly impressed with Elizabeth's ability to shine in this class; She resolved to ask her to explain things more to her. For the time being, she could only really write down what everyone else was saying.

Paris raised her hand again. "Propaganda can be classified according to the source and nature of the message. White propaganda generally comes from an openly identified source, and is characterized by gentler methods of persuasion, such as standard public relations techniques and one-sided presentation of an argument." She said.

Abby is enjoying Professor Lupa in class today. Abby never realize the professor could be such a flirt. She smiles and waves at Professor Lupa.

"Name-calling

This involves the use of words to connect a person or idea to a negative concept
" Barry said hand raised.

Ana raised her hand "The "'plain folks'" or "common man" approach attempts to convince the audience that the propagandist's positions reflect the common sense of the people" she said

Ethan nodded at the answers and flicked his wand at the board.

Quote:

Standard Methods of Propaganda
Bandwagon: Pump up the value of 'joining the party'.
Card-stacking: Build a highly-biased case for your position.
Glittering generalities: Use power words to evoke emotions.
Name-calling: Denigrating opponents.
Plain folks: Making the leader seem ordinary increases trust and credibility.
Testimonial: The testimony of an independent person is seen as more trustworthy.
Transfer: Associate the leader with trusted others.

"Please write those down, you will need them." Truebridge waited for a few moments to give everyone a chance to do so.

"Now, can I have a few suggestions of some interesting ten year periods during our history? They can be as recent as you like but please tell me what happened during that ten-year-period that makes it interesting to you."

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeerCassandraTrelawney (Post 7840920)

Ethan blinked a few times behind his stunna shades. "I... can't think of anything that I'd ever need assistance for. Unless you'd like to share a ten-year period you find interesting..."

Barry raised his hand "The ten years before the dark lords first downfall, the 9 years before Harry Potter was born and his first year of life, What I find so significant os the fear experianced during these years, and it wasn`t always obvious. It is one of the only times that our wizarding community was drapped in fear, even with a few holding against it" he stated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoT (Post 7840978)

Ethan blinked a few times behind his stunna shades. "I... can't think of anything that I'd ever need assistance for. Unless you'd like to share a ten-year period you find interesting..."

What was this man talking about...?? Oh... The class... Right... She sooo wanted to stick her tongue out at TinkerbellPrincessBum, but she didn't... instead she stood and said. "I should really look for my cat, thanks anyway Professor Truebridge..." and as she walked pass Iliana's cat form she said. "Oh, yes... My TinkyPBums doesn't smell this bad either..." And giggling she walked out of the classroom.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoT (Post 7840978)

Ethan nodded at the answers and flicked his wand at the board.

"Please write those down, you will need them." Truebridge waited for a few moments to give everyone a chance to do so.

"Now, can I have a few suggestions of some interesting ten year periods during our history? They can be as recent as you like but please tell me what happened during that ten-year-period that makes it interesting to you."

Ethan blinked a few times behind his stunna shades. "I... can't think of anything that I'd ever need assistance for. Unless you'd like to share a ten-year period you find interesting..."

Melanie scribbled down the notes quickly and then looked up eagerly to answer the question. Her hand popped up in the air, and her eyes got quite wide. "I think the ten years after the battle at Hogwarts were very interesting. With all the rebuilding here and recapturing of Death Eaters." Melanie said happily.