Brookdale Examines Propaganda in Film During Civility Week

In a significant exploration of media’s influence on society, Brookdale’s Civility Week featured a compelling panel discussion examining the powerful relationship between cinema and public opinion. The session, “Real Influence: Propaganda in Cinema,” delved into how films have shaped ideologies and worldviews throughout history.

Georgia Cassidy, assistant professor of Nursing and liaison for the Global Citizenship Project, introduced the event within the week’s broader theme, “Democracy Takes Courage.” She emphasized media literacy as a fundamental component of civic engagement, noting how films profoundly influence personal and societal perceptions.

The presentation brought together two notable scholars: Jonathan Shaloum, director of the Teaching and Learning Center and adjunct communication professor, alongside Dr. William Burns, associate vice president of Educational Access and Innovation, whose academic expertise includes pre-World War II German cinema. Together, they guided attendees through a comprehensive analysis of propaganda techniques in both documentary and narrative film formats.

The speakers established a critical foundation by clarifying the distinction between persuasion and propaganda. They characterized persuasive media as content that encourages dialogue, presents evidence, and respects viewers as thoughtful individuals. In contrast, propaganda typically offers a singular, non-negotiable viewpoint, relies heavily on emotional manipulation, oversimplifies complex issues, and often distorts or selectively presents facts to serve a specific agenda.

With this framework established, the discussion expanded to analyze landmark films that exemplify propaganda techniques. Leni Riefenstahl’s “Triumph of the Will” was examined not only for its technical innovations but as a powerful example of visual storytelling designed to glorify authority and reshape national identity. The American counterpoint came through Frank Capra’s “Why We Fight” series, highlighting how even content supporting widely accepted causes can function as propaganda.

The presenters’ examination extended to a diverse array of influential films, including “Reefer Madness,” “The Birth of a Nation,” “Battleship Potemkin,” “Casablanca,” wartime animations from Disney and Warner Bros., “The Green Berets,” and “Red Dawn.” Each selection demonstrated different propaganda approaches: simplifying complex political conflicts, establishing clear heroes and villains, arousing patriotic sentiments, and influencing public opinion during periods of social uncertainty.

Throughout the session, Shaloum and Burns encouraged attendees to develop a deeper analytical perspective beyond passive entertainment consumption. They prompted participants to consider crucial questions about content creators, underlying messages, selective presentation of facts, and how technical elements like music, narration, editing, and visual composition shape emotional responses and beliefs.

The conversation naturally evolved to address contemporary challenges, as audience members raised concerns about artificial intelligence, algorithmic content distribution, streaming platforms, and the increasing difficulty of distinguishing factual reporting from manipulated information in digital environments. The presenters emphasized that traditional media literacy skills remain essential in navigating today’s complex information landscape: maintaining healthy skepticism, seeking context, conducting independent research, and applying critical thinking.

By the session’s conclusion, participants gained more than historical insights. They received a timely reminder that in our media-saturated era, both civility and democratic participation depend on the ability to question presented information, think independently, and engage thoughtfully rather than passively with the constant stream of media content we encounter daily.

The discussion underscored the enduring relevance of media literacy in preserving democratic values, particularly as new technologies continue to transform how information is created and consumed—highlighting propaganda analysis as not merely an academic exercise but an essential civic skill.