Propaganda is fake or misleading information that is usually politically charged. It is media stories deliberately created to mislead audience, promote a biased viewpoint or to encourage a particular political agenda.
Propaganda takes many forms. During wars they can be used to instill fear and manipulate people.
In its most neutral definition, it's a deliberate and organized effort to sway people's feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. This is achieved by strategically delivering messages, often one-sided and potentially lacking factual accuracy, through various communication channels like mass media and direct contact. The goal of propaganda is typically to promote a particular ideology, political agenda, or commercial interest.
An antisemitic propaganda poster from during WWII. Poster shows a hand with finger pointing accusingly at a man wearing a top hat and with a yellow Star of David with text "Jude". The text reads "who is to blame for the war!"
Perhaps the most famous example of propaganda, I Want You by J. M. Flagg. Meant to convince Americans to join the army. This iconic poster shows fictional personalization of America Uncle Sam pointing his finger at the viewer, aiming to recruit soldiers for the American Army during World War I.
A modern example of political propaganda in North Korea. Photo by Roman Harak. This poster is seen in the capital city Pyonyang. North Korea’s strict rule include lots of propaganda, brainwashing the citizens into viewing their leaders as what can only be described as gods.