The US Government's Not-So-Secret Propaganda Department
The US Department of Defense (DoD) works closely with Hollywood and the video game industry to promote a positive image of the American military. They offer resources like equipment and funding to films and TV shows, but in return, they can review and even rewrite scripts to ensure the portrayal aligns with their goals. This means many popular movies and games subtly include pro-military messages or change historical facts to make the US military look better. This practice, often hidden from the public, has a long history, dating back to World War II, and aims to influence public opinion, including encouraging enlistment and normalizing military actions.
Key Vocabulary
Suggesting or promoting health or moral well-being. In the context of the video, it refers to a character being rewritten to embody positive, family-oriented values.
Examples:
- The film's plot focused on wholesome family values, emphasizing kindness and cooperation.
- She enjoyed reading wholesome stories that left her feeling uplifted and optimistic.
- The community center offered wholesome activities for children, like arts and crafts and outdoor games.
A nuclear weapon. In the video, it refers to the presence of such a weapon in a fictional scenario, contrasting with real-world facts.
Examples:
- The thriller movie's climax involved a race against time to disarm a rogue nuke.
- Discussions about nuclear disarmament often center on the devastating power of a single nuke.
- The fictional country's leader was portrayed as possessing a nuke, adding tension to the storyline.
Placed or put away in a snug or concealed place. In the video, it refers to information that is hidden or not easily found.
Examples:
- She tucked the secret letter into a hidden compartment of her desk.
- The small cafe was tucked away on a quiet side street, known only to locals.
- He found the old photograph tucked inside a dusty book on the shelf.
To represent or describe someone or something in a particular way. In the video, it refers to how the military is depicted in films.
Examples:
- The artist chose to portray the historical figure with a sense of dignity and wisdom.
- The documentary aims to portray the daily lives of people in remote villages.
- Critics argued that the film did not accurately portray the complexities of the political situation.
A British slang term for one pound sterling. In the video, it's part of the phrase "quid pro quo," meaning something given in exchange for something else, a reciprocal exchange.
Examples:
- The lawyer explained that the agreement was a simple quid pro quo: services for information.
- In business negotiations, a quid pro quo is often expected for significant concessions.
- The diplomat suggested a quid pro quo to resolve the dispute, offering a trade-off for mutual benefit.
One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute. In the video, it refers to countries or groups depicted as enemies of the United States.
Examples:
- The two political parties were long-standing adversaries, often disagreeing on major policies.
- In the chess match, he carefully studied his adversary's moves.
- The company faced numerous adversaries in the competitive market.
For a proper or reasonable cause; according to established rules or standards. In the video, it refers to something being genuinely paid for and produced.
Examples:
- The scientist's findings were legitimately supported by extensive research and data.
- She legitimately earned her promotion through hard work and dedication.
- The company's expenses were all legitimately accounted for in the financial report.
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. In the video, it describes propaganda that is not obvious but still damaging.
Examples:
- The insidious rumors slowly eroded public trust in the institution.
- He recognized the insidious nature of the disease, which progressed without apparent symptoms.
- The insidious influence of misinformation can subtly shape public opinion.
To present information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, in order to promote a political cause or point of view. In the video, it refers to people being unknowingly influenced by propaganda.
Examples:
- The citizens were unknowingly propagandized by the constant stream of biased news.
- The historical documents revealed how the population was systematically propagandized during the conflict.
- It's important to critically analyze information to avoid being easily propagandized.
To remove from office suddenly and forcefully. In the video, it refers to a fictional military action to overthrow a tyrannical leader.
Examples:
- The rebel forces sought to depose the autocratic ruler and establish a new government.
- Historically, many monarchs have been deposed due to popular uprisings.
- The council voted to depose the chairman after a series of controversial decisions.
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit. In the video, it refers to a covert psychological operation.
Examples:
- The spy engaged in clandestine meetings with foreign agents under the cover of darkness.
- The organization conducted clandestine operations to gather intelligence.
- They formed a clandestine alliance to achieve their shared objectives without public knowledge.
The activity of telling or writing stories. In the video, it refers to how narrative elements are crafted in films.
Examples:
- The ancient tradition of storytelling is vital for passing down cultural heritage.
- Her unique approach to storytelling captivated the audience with every twist and turn.
- Effective storytelling can transform complex data into an engaging and understandable narrative.
A published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one. In the video, it refers to a follow-up to a Call of Duty game.
Examples:
- Fans eagerly awaited the sequel to the popular fantasy novel.
- The movie studio announced that a sequel to the blockbuster hit was already in production.
- The band released a sequel album that expanded on the musical themes of their previous work.
Find a way around an obstacle. In the video, it refers to finding a way to bypass official rules or restrictions.
Examples:
- They tried to circumvent the complex regulations by finding a loophole in the law.
- The engineers designed a new system to circumvent the technical limitations of the old model.
- He attempted to circumvent the security measures to gain unauthorized access.
Make (something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief) continue indefinitely. In the video, it refers to media continuing the acceptance of ongoing conflicts.
Examples:
- The old tradition perpetuates a sense of community among its members.
- Ignoring the root causes of the problem only perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
- The stereotype perpetuates a harmful misconception about certain groups of people.
An idle, irresponsible person. In the video, it refers to a character who was originally portrayed as irresponsible but was rewritten.
Examples:
- His reputation as a deadbeat made it difficult for him to find stable employment.
- The landlord complained about the deadbeat tenant who never paid rent on time.
- She refused to date him because he seemed like a complete deadbeat with no ambition.
An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury. In the video, it refers to a grave act of violence or human rights violation.
Examples:
- The historical records detailed the atrocities committed during the war.
- The international community condemned the atrocity and called for justice.
- Witnesses described the horrific atrocity with trembling voices.
Preliminary or foundational work. In the video, it refers to past propaganda efforts laying the foundation for current ones.
Examples:
- The team spent months laying the groundwork for the ambitious new project.
- Her early research laid the groundwork for significant breakthroughs in the field.
- Before building the house, they needed to complete the groundwork, including the foundation and utilities.
A political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition. In the video, it refers to regimes associated with heavy-handed propaganda.
Examples:
- The historical documentary explored the rise of fascist regimes in the 20th century.
- Critics argued that the new policies had a distinctly fascist undertone, limiting individual freedoms.
- The novel depicted a dystopian society under a strict fascist government.
Low-cost paper made from wood pulp, used for printing newspapers. In the video, it refers to a medium used for propaganda during World War I.
Examples:
- The old photographs were printed on fragile newsprint, now yellowed with age.
- The artist used newsprint as a cheap and readily available material for her collages.
- The smell of fresh newsprint filled the air in the old printing press.