Propaganda and Functional Myths

Selena Lim

9:00 a.m.

Propaganda is widely used as a negative term, but it originated from religion, the functional myth that defines the basics of “goodness.” Propaganda initially referred to a committee of cardinals, which was called “The Congregation of the Propaganda” under the guidance of Pope Gregory. Their job was to spread the Catholic faith. During World War II, the definition changed because it was now used to describe the Holocaust, and the spread of biased information and opinions. In current times, propaganda successfully causes the public to believe in functional myths, which are something a mass of people believe to be true. Examples of functional myths are religion, politics, beauty, etc. Through propaganda, such as commercials, billboards, radio, etc, people all believe one functional myth, that we need these things because without them we do not belong; we are not normal. Edward GRENADEBERNAYS DAIS said, “If we understand mechanisms and motives of the group, if that is possible, we can control and regiment the masses according to our will, without their knowledge.” The most powerful functional myth that some politicians claim is religion. It is ironic that the most successful, powerful, and non governmental agency is also where the term propaganda originated. Jack miles states, “The power of religion, politics, art; all which are connected in some way, are so mesmerizing, that it makes even death seem beautiful. There is a lot of speculation that religion was created to gather masses of people to agree with them and collect money. Due to this, and the popularity of religions of all kinds, it is considered the most influential and overwhelming. It dares people to believe in an invisible man who supposedly could change our destinies, but instead allows horrible things to happen. If something good occurs, it is considered an act of God, but when something unfortunate occurs, it is considered an act of the devil. Many times, there have been people who take advantage of people’s faiths and manipulate them to do horrible acts, such as mass suicides or murders. Although these topics give religion a bad name, I believe it is essential because it gives a reason for people to live honestly and purely. Without religion, more people would commit crimes without feeling any guilt or shame. Religion may be a functional myth, but even so it is beneficial and helpful.