Propaganda & Activism

Propaganda

Activism

Propaganda is a person's effort to manipulate other people’s beliefs, attitudes, or actions with the use of symbols (words, gestures, banners, monuments, music, clothing, insignia, hairstyles, designs on coins and postage stamps, and so forth). Anyone can participate in propaganda; celebrities, athletes, politicians, news-anchors, social media hype-man, radio personalities, the common person. Someone, even you, can participate in partaking in propaganda without even realizing it. However, most times propagandists select facts, arguments, and display symbols or images in a deliberate way they think will have the most effect on others. Usually this involves omitting or altering facts, name calling, lying, etc.

Activism is when a person or a group of people, known as an activist, campaign vigorously for a form of social, political, environmental change. Activists can rely on the use of propaganda in many ways to help gather more followers for their cause. Any person can become an activists, however, many activists will make it their life's mission to ensure the desired change takes effect, whether it is during their lifetime or for the future generations. In most cases, activists will usually do their campaigning in a peaceful manner, however there are always unfortunate circumstances that may arise from opposing sides.

Propaganda's History

Known Activists

Shepard Fairey & Other Propaganda Artists

Frank Shepard Fairey is a skateboarder, graphic artist, and social activist from Charleston, South Carolina.
He is best known for creating public art displays including street art, murals, posters, and stickers,
as well as silk screen and multimedia prints.
Shepard Fairey created the OBEY slogan using Andre the Giants' portrait from a newspaper ad back in the 90's and the HOPE campaign while Barack Obama was running for president. Although he does get commissioned to create new artifacts, his work has been controversial not only due to the piece of art itself, but for using other people's images without their permission.

“Art is not always meant to be decorative or soothing, in fact,
it can create uncomfortable conversations and stimulate uncomfortable emotions,”
- Shepard Fairey