Propaganda vs Persuasion
Propaganda and Persuasion are two words that need description in order to identify the difference between them and to understand where to use what. In fact, these are the two terms used often by political parties. The use of unethical policies to gain popularity is what is understood by the term propaganda. On the other hand, the use of ethical policies and means to publicize their popularity, also to increase their follower-base is what is understood by the term persuasion. This is the basic difference between the two terms. This article not only describes the difference in definitions of propaganda and persuasion but also how the society reacts to each type.
What does Persuasion mean?
Since a kind of platform is provided for the political leaders to speak, they use this platform to have their say by means of persuasion. It is nothing but using this platform to their advantage. In persuasion, political parties tell people about why they should vote for their party, and other matters related to constructive politics. The delivery method also differs in the case of both propaganda and persuasion. In persuasion, the political leader takes sufficient amount of time to make people understand about his own decisions and plans. Another key difference between propaganda and persuasion is the level of honesty seen in them. One can find the level of honesty to be more in persuasion than in propaganda. Persuasion does not resort to telling falsehood and lies.
What does Propaganda mean?
On the other hand, propaganda consists in using this platform to spread negativity about the other political party by using unethical methods and approach. In other words, in propaganda, the political parties tell the people why they should not vote for the other parties, and other matters related to destructive politics. This is another important difference between propaganda and persuasion. If you look at this definition given by the Oxford English dictionary, you can have a clear idea of the word propaganda. Propaganda is ‘Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.’
When it comes to delivery method, in propaganda a political party uses short forms such as TV commercials, single images and the like. Also, unlike persuasion, propaganda does resort to telling falsehood and blatant lies. It is important to note that public or people do not desire to listen to propaganda wherein, unethical policies are used. In other words, it can be said that people do not receive propaganda that lacks honesty. In fact, propaganda can be a wrong means of popularity if public comes to know of the facts.
What is the difference between Propaganda and Persuasion?
• The use of unethical policies to gain popularity is what is understood by the term propaganda.
• On the other hand, the use of ethical policies and means to publicize their popularity, also to increase their follower-base is what is understood by the term persuasion.
• In politics, persuasion is used to gain votes for one’s own party while propaganda is used to make the opponent lose votes.
• Another difference between propaganda and persuasion is the delivery method. In persuasion the canvassing party takes more time and effort to make his points clear and convincing. In contrast, propagandist resorts to all short forms to reach people.
• Further, level of honesty is another important difference between propaganda and persuasion. More honesty is seen in persuasion as it does not resort to telling false stories and lies, and talk more about their plans for future. Whereas, a propagandist does not hesitate to tell falsehood and blatant lies about the other party in order to reduce their popularity.
These are some of the differences between the two terms in politics, namely, propaganda and persuasion. It is important to note that people too prefer the persuasion type of political approach by the leaders. They do not opt for the propaganda type of political approach. They in fact receive persuasion laden with honesty.