“We are Propagandists for Democracy”
The Institute for Propaganda Analysis’ Pioneering Media Literacy Efforts to Fight Disinformation (1937–1942)
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21577115 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Elisabeth Fondren (0000-0002-2836-4354, Collins College of Professional Studies, St. John’s University, New York, USA, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 258-291 |
| Publication date | 2021-07-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Journalism (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0882-1127 • E-ISSN: 2326-2486 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/08821127.2021.1950481 |
| OpenAlex | W3199585378 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
The Institute for Propaganda Analysis (IPA) advocated for “propaganda literacy” against the backdrop of rising nationalism before and during World War II (1937–1942). Through a historical analysis of unpublished archival papers, notes, correspondence, newspaper articles, and the Institute’s publications, this article shows how the IPA raised awareness and highlighted the need for information literacy during a time that precedes modern attempts to promote critical thinking and counter one-sided views. Supported by a network of public opinion scholars, educators, and editors, these anti-propaganda efforts gained momentum. Initially, the IPA’s monthly newsletter Propaganda Analysis and its educational programs, specialized leaflets, and publicity campaigns were received favorably by the public. But critics in government and the press attacked the IPA’s platform. By early 1942, the IPA could neither overcome its financial struggles nor thwart social and political pressures to cede its work, perceived as “un-American” in light of the US’s war mobilization
Censorship · Democracy · Disinformation · Literacy · Media literacy · Media studies · Nationalism · Newspaper · Political science · Politics · Public opinion · Public relations · Publicity · Social media · Sociology · Educator Training and Historical Pedagogy · Italian Fascism and Post-war Society · Law · Political theory and Gramsci
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,75 |
| Citation span | 2022 - 2023 (2) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |