EdCafe

This time around I had a rather unusual EdCafe experience. Unlike most who chose a topic they knew little about, I chose a topic which I had spent the greater part of the third quarter researching. Due to my already in depth knowledge of my topic, I spent less time learning about my topic during the process and more time finding interest in other people's. Since I didn't have to worry about what I was going to say and how I would fill the time of my slot, I found myself with a greater attraction to other topics. I was more involved than I had previously been in EdCafe's and far more interested, thus leading to me taking more away than I could have imagined.

The most intriguing discussion I took place in was led by Ezra and addressed Nazism in Modern Germany. This topic began discussion on Neo-Nazism and what should be done in Germany to either allow or prevent its expansion. Although the original topic was rather interesting, where the conversation led was of greater benefit to my learning. We soon began to talk about learning form our mistakes in the past, and whether freedom of speech should apply to what we consider radical ideologies. This conversation was incredibly thought provoking, and those who took place in it brought ideas to the table I had never even considered. Of corse consensus was never reached in the brief time we had to talk about this topic, however, it was a great experience where ideas were tossed around and the group as a whole was able to learn about not only Nazism in Modern Germany, but about broader topics of freedom of speech and radical ideals.

By eliminating my topic, I felt I took away more than ever from this EdCafe with a renewed focus not to my own work, but to my ideas. Although I did not learn more about my topic, I think I took away more than ever from other people's EdCafe's, in a way which I could not have if I had been doing research on a topic I knew little about.

Propaganda

Propaganda is used in media throughout the world, presenting only one side of an argument in an attempt to influence an audience’s attitude in some way. Propaganda is a very important tool especially for the government. During World War II, all involved nations released propaganda in an attempt to raise support for their nation and support for the war. There are two main approaches in propaganda campaigns. The first approach is to promote an idea, doctrine, or belief in order to further one’s own cause. This was important for the Germans as they attempted to strengthen the nationalism of their country, showing how great it was and why they needed to defend their honor and nurture their xenophobic beliefs. The second approach taken was to influence the public’s opinion against the enemy. This was particularly important in the US during WWII so that the government could gain the support of the people and enter the war. The use of propaganda has always been a successful tactic in promoting a particular point of view and often times controversial issues or ideas.

For propaganda to be successful, it must be shared through a variety of media outlets and reach all people alike. Theo Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, used propaganda in his cartoons and books to support his strong, liberal, anti-fascist and anti-communist beliefs. Before his children's books were published and before his name was a house-hold word, his work was focused on cartoons, mostly of political nature. Geisel was a staunch democrat and strong supporter of FDR and the New Deal. In his work he supported many democratic ideals as well as America’s entry into WWII. His cartoons clearly illustrated the concept of propaganda, attacking fascist nations and showing the need for US involvement in that war. Geisel’s tactic was to promote Axis fallacies and mistakes, thereby influencing the public to see the deficiencies of their ideals and actions. Geisel used these tactics in hopes that US citizens could rally behind this propaganda and support US involvement in WWII. Wars can be won by propaganda, making it vital that the public supports the government’s decisions. Propaganda like Geisel’s helps nations clear away the fog on important issues and influences the audience to perceive a side of an issue in a manner that promotes the government’s agenda.