Quote Originally Posted by Ah Pook View Post
They are using the "playbook" to a tee.

http://s3.documentcloud.org/document...uide-pdf-1.pdf
Three key themes drive the most powerful arguments for gun violence prevention:
ONE: The serious personal toll that gun violence takes on people’s lives.
TW0: People’s right to be free from violence in their communities.
THREE: The changing nature of weapons towards more powerful, military-style ones that
make us less safe.

#1: ALWAYS FOCUS ON EMOTIONAL AND VALUE-DRIVEN
ARGUMENTS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE, NOT THE POLITICAL
FOOD FIGHT IN WASHINGTON OR WONKY STATISTICS.

#2: TELL STORIES WITH IMAGES AND FEELINGS.

#3: CLAIM MORAL AUTHORITY AND THE MANTLE OF FREEDOM.

#4: EMPHASIZE THAT EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS, MILITARY-STYLE
WEAPONS ARE NOW WITHIN EASY REACH ACROSS AMERICA.

#5: EMPHASIZE THAT AMERICA HAS WEAK GUN LAWS
AND DON’T ASSUME THAT PEOPLE KNOW THAT.

#6: CHALLENGE THE NRA ON YOUR TERMS, NOT THEIRS.


Materials adapted from the National Archives Teaching With Document Series. Jo Anne Gill 1993

PROPAGANDA TECHNIQUES

A propaganda technique is an improper appeal to emotion used for the purpose of swaying the opinions of an audience. The following propaganda techniques are common:

1. Bandwagon: This technique involves encouraging people to think or act in some way simply because other people are doing so. For example: "All your neighbors are rushing down to Mistri Motors to take advantage of this year-end sale. You come, too!"

2. Snob appeal: This technique involves making a claim that one should act or think in a certain way because of the high social status associated with the action or thought. For example: "Felson’s Furs – the feeling of luxury, for those who can afford the very best."

3. Vague, undefined terms: This technique involves promoting or challenging an opinion by using words that are so vague or so poorly defined as to be almost meaningless. For example: "Try our new and improved, all-natural product."

4. Loaded words: This technique involves using words with strong positive or negative connotations, or associations. Name-calling is an example of the use of loaded words. So is any use of words that are charged with emotion. For example: "No really intelligent voter would support his candidacy."

5. Transfer: This technique involves making an illogical association between one thing and something else that is generally viewed as positive or negative. For example: " The American pioneers worked hard because they cared about the future. If you can about the future of your family, then see your agent at Pioneer Insurance."

6. Unreliable testimonial: This technique involves having an unqualified person endorse a product, action, or opinion. For example: "Hi, I’m Bart Bearson. As a pro-football quarterback, I have to be concerned about my health. That’s why I take Pro-Ball Vitamin Supplements."