Everyday we attempt to influence others through many different methods. We may speak in a certain tone or use certain "catch" phrases to manipulate people. Most of the time it isn't even a conscious action but it just happens naturally. Body language and gestures are also methods of controlling others. Possibly the most well-known manipulators are politicians. For politicians like George W. Bush and Al Gore propaganda techniques are studied as a science and can dictate the results of an election. From what they wear to how they speak, politicians' jobs rely on influencing a mass audience. In this essay several different strategies will be analyzed which are used by politicians, corporations, and governments. The information gathered from magazines, newspapers, and texts on propaganda will help explain these strategies.
             The mainstream media carry out their propaganda service on behalf of the corporate and political establishment in many ways: by choice of topics addressed, by their framing of issues, by their choice of sources of information, and by their use of language. Modern Propaganda, p. 137
             From DeVille's Modern Propaganda, there are seven different categories of language discussed that are used to manipulate the public. In this essay I will outline the two most important types of linguistic propaganda covered by DeVille. Modern Propaganda focuses on politicians and corporations but also includes minor acts of exploitation. DeVille basically establishes the idea that there are many ways to "window dress" issues without blatantly lying. Furthermore, he puts forth the argument that certain politicians repeat words that are known to "key into" the fears and hopes of the public.
             The first category of language used for political propaganda are called "purring" words. "Purr" words, as DeVille refers to them, have positive and warming overtones t...