Navigating Media Through a Sea of Propaganda

Propaganda…it’s everywhere.

While most of us are familiar with political propaganda, where elections are on the line and money pours in from special interests, other sources of propaganda are used commercially, in entertainment, and news programs.

Social Studies teachers Sara Baquero-Garcia and Paulo Agostinho are teaching Overlake 8th graders the concepts and purposes behind propaganda. “We’re taking a historical look at how propaganda was used successfully, and how these students can identify it in the future,” says Baquero-Garcia. “Eighth graders are beginning to get the barrage of propaganda through social media, advertising, and current events.”

By being skeptical of its source, Baquero-Garcia hopes that her students will embrace all forms of propaganda so that critical decisions can be made in choices relating to their lives. “There are all sorts of hidden agendas that can stoke our fears, re-enforce ideas, or manipulate,” adds Baquero-Garcia, “This was a major project for them, all about media literacy and critically looking at information in their life.”

Click here to check out this year’s student projects.