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The theory and practice of propaganda are of increasing interest in this century, as authoritarian regimes make growing use of it. This anthology compiles the author's recent articles on film propaganda.
The book begins by presenting a clear and concise theory of propaganda, explaining how it can be rational though it rarely is. It then focuses specifically on propaganda in film. The anthology discusses various films, evaluating their rationality and the effectiveness of counterarguments against them. It covers a wide range of propaganda films, from The Birth of a Nation (1915) to some contemporary films, including two featured on HBO and Netflix, along with the ways their critics have effectively countered them.
List of contents
List of Figures - Introduction - On the Rationality of Propaganda - Selling Racism: A Classic Case of American Propaganda - The Birth of a Nation and the Birth of Cancel Culture - Countering Birth of a Nation in Film - Some Examples of Reasonable Propaganda Films - The Past Is Prologue: Why They Fight So Fiercely - The Last Temptation of a Journalist: A Review of Mr. Jones - Is Sniper: The White Raven a Deceptive Propaganda Film? - Why They Join: A Review of Fire and Ice - What Is Truth: A Review of Miss Virginia - Moderating Racism: The Attempt to Restrain Anti-Japanese Racism in World War II Propaganda Films - Fighting Fire with Fire I: Using Propaganda Film to Counter Propaganda Film - Fighting Fire with Fire II: Using Video Podcasting to Counter Propaganda Film - Artists, Propagandists, and Political Masters: A Review of Five Came Back - Bibliography - Index.
About the author
Gary James Jason has published eight previous books, including
The Logic of Scientific Discovery(1988);
Introduction to Logic(1994);
Critical Thinking(2001);
Philosophic Thoughts(2013);
Purchase, Power, and Persuasion(2021);
Cinematic Thoughts(2021); and
The Critical Thinking Book(2022). He is a lecturer in Philosophy at California State University, Fullerton, and has received two awards for excellence in teaching.
