Chap. 56: The lecture, Dumbledore and Hermione, lunch with Hermione, Ron, and Neville, the meeting, and home.
(I wish to give the University of Vermont credit for the list, below, which I quoted, though I modified it to work with this story. The context of it is factual, and it wasn't changed.)
Harry had come in early the next morning to get ready for a lecture on propaganda, which was to be given to everyone tied to the DMLE and the DoM. It was to show them how it was used by not only the press but by politicians to push the agendas that they support. It was to teach the ministry employees how to not be duped and to always weigh what was being stated to get at the truth in a balanced manner. The truth was almost always very complicated, and it generally, always, rambled off in many different directions.
Just as Harry thought this, his enchanted chalk quit writing on the large blackboard behind him, so, he took a quick glance at his watch, took a quick drink of his coffee, and opened the doors to the auditorium on level two. Next, he took a seat at the table at the front and waited.
As the first few entered, Harry watched them as they made their way over to the Tea Lady in the back corner, where they either obtained themselves a cuppa of tea or coffee in a paper cup, before finding their seat.
As the room began to fill, Harry checked his watch, again, when he noticed Rufus arrive with the Security Council, and, surprisingly, Dumbledore strolled inside behind them, who had a guest with him, and it was Hermione.
Here, Harry snorted and thought that if Albus thought that by bringing Hermione, it would curb his tongue, then the old Headmaster was badly mistaken.
Harry sat back with a cross between a smirk and a grin as the room filled, where he noticed that everyone in the Security Council sat in the front row to his left. Moody's eye was doing acrobatic tricks that he'd never witnessed before, while spinning around in its socket., and Tonks, who was sitting beside him, had her hair change to several colors before it finally settled to its normal pink. Here, Harry caught her mouthing "Wotcher Harry" to him, so he gave her a nod.
Harry glanced at his watch, again, and it was time, though he would give the stragglers another five minutes. He was glad that he did, as Arthur Weasley just made it in, and quickly took up the seat next to Hermione while wiping his brow before giving Harry a nod and grateful smile.
When Harry glanced over at Hermione, she was sitting forward in her chair, and was extra ecstatic, while sporting a huge smile of white teeth. She reminded him of a niffler who was staring at a huge pile of gold coins, especially after she picked up the program and bound literature in her seat, and began to quickly glance through it. Harry had, after all, printed that up, and had it placed into neat binders that he had obtained in a muggle stationery shop in Leeds.
When the five minutes were up, Harry stood and made his way behind the podium, where his Mayhaw wand shot into his hand. With a quick wave and a jab, the doors to the auditorium closed with a soft click. Next, and as he was sliding his wand back up his sleeve, he cleared his throat.
"Welcome, everyone," Harry said with a broad smile of shark-like teeth, "to the Ministry's lecture on propaganda!"
"Now, most of you know me, I dare say?" Harry inquired, which caused several sniggers and chortles to ring out. "Well, if you don't, I am Lord Potter and Black, and I represent the wizarding districts of Somerset, Bristol, and West Yorkshire.
"I was asked by Minister Scrimgeour to give this lecture, which is to teach you about propaganda," and here, Harry waved his hand at the chalk, which underlined the word on the blackboard, "and how to recognize it, along with how not to be duped by it.
"Now, as a politician, I must admit that I'm guilty of using it just as any other politician does," (this brought about more chortles, though Hermione's eyes started to bug out of her head at this admission), "and the ministry uses it on occasion, to coax the public into a line of thinking that follows along with that of the ministry. In war, I must say, it's a must."
Here, Harry cleared his throat, grinned, and took a quick sip of his coffee before looking out at everyone attending.
"However, you are all connected to the DMLE in one form or another, and you should never allow propaganda to blind your judgment. You should always strive to do your best in finding the truth, the facts, which, I dare say, is most important for our prosecutors and judges." Harry, then, nodded at several sitting in the audience who nodded back, which Hermione noticed by looking over her shoulder. Dumbledore was merely sitting back with a pleasant grin on his face. "This is, I must emphasize, very important when it comes to examinations, rhetoric, and debate.
"Now," Harry said as he walked over to the blackboard, and touched his wand to the title, "I'll go through the many types and methods of propaganda, and give you examples. Believe me, I have had propaganda turned on me several times, which is why I learned to spot it, though I wish the rest of the public learned this as well."
More sniggers erupted over this, with heads nodding, while some whispered to others about what Harry meant.
Here, Harry began rattling off the list, while telling his audience to also refer to the packets that they collected from their seats.
.
.
GENERAL TYPES OF PROPAGANDA AND METHODS:
Propaganda can be categorized based on the visibility or concealment of its source, and, or, the fact that the message is actually propaganda.
1. "White propaganda" comes from an official source and is not disguised. It should be immediately recognizable as propaganda. Government-funded radio broadcasts from sources such as the Wizarding Wireless, and direct Government Announcements to the public, via the Daily Prophet, etcetera, are a few examples.
2. "Grey propaganda" may be apparent as propaganda, but its source will be hidden. "Unseen" propaganda is material coming from an obvious source that is not obviously propaganda. The audience does not recognize it as propaganda. The use of "Unnamed Ministry" and "Anonymous" sources come into play, here.
3. "Black propaganda" is material whose content is not easily discerned as propaganda, and whose source is completely concealed. Howe's book titled: "The Black Game," tells stories of British efforts in black propaganda during WWII. Black propaganda includes the use of all kinds of hoaxes and deceptions.
Here, Harry paused to discuss each type, and answer any questions before continuing.
PROPAGANDA TECHNIQUES:
1. NAME CALLING or STEREOTYPING: Giving a person or an idea a bad label by using an easy-to-remember pejorative name. This is used to make us reject and condemn a person or idea without examining what the label really means. Examples: "Pureblood," "Mudblood," "Half-blood," "Activist," "Leftist," "Rightist," "Nazi," "Commie," and "Special-Interest Group."
Again, Harry paused, and gave his thoughts on stereotyping, and then answered questions. He would continue to do this throughout each example given.
2. VIRTUE WORDS or GLITTERING GENERALITY: These words are used to dupe us into accepting and approving things without examining the evidence carefully. Examples: "Natural," "Democratic," "Magical," "Organic," "Scientific," "Ecological," and "Sustainable."
3. DEIFICATION: This is when an idea is made to appear holy, sacred, or very special, and therefore, above all law. Any alternative or opposite points of view are thereby given the appearance of treason or blasphemy. Examples: "God-given right to...," "Natural right to...," "Created this way," "Mother Earth," and "Gia."
4. TRANSFER: Transfer is when a symbol that carries respect, authority, sanction, and prestige is used along with an idea or argument to make it look more acceptable. Examples: National Flag, University or State Seal, Medical Association Symbol (or something that looks like it), fraternal rings, and some tattoos. This method is also called GUILT or VIRTUE-BY-ASSOCIATION.
5. TESTIMONIAL: When some respected celebrity (or alternatively someone generally hated) claims that an idea or product is good (or bad). This technique is used to convince us without examining the facts more carefully.
6. PLEBEIANS or PLAIN FOLKS: This is a way that a speaker convinces an audience that an idea is good because they are the same ideas of the vast majority of people like yourself. Examples: "This is the will of the People", and "Most Wizarding Brits think..." Another example would be when the speaker tells a story about a family or people that are "just like you" to reinforce the speaker's point of view.
7. BAND WAGON: This common propaganda method is when the speaker tries to convince us to accept their point of view or else we will miss out on something really good. The Band-Wagon technique is often used in advertising. Examples: "This is the wave of the future," "Be the first on your block," and "Act Now!". You might ask yourself: "What if I was the only one on my street because no one else was interested (duped)?"
8. ARTIFICIAL DICHOTOMY: This is when someone tries to claim there are only two sides to an issue, and that both sides must have an equal presentation in order to be evaluated. This technique is used to dupe us into believing there is only one way to look at an issue, when, in fact, there may be many alternative viewpoints, or "sides." Like most propaganda techniques, it simplifies reality, and therefore, distorts it, often to the advantage of the speaker. A classic example is the "intelligent design" versus "evolution" controversy in the muggle world.
9. HOT POTATO: This is an inflammatory, (and often untrue), statement or question used to throw an opponent off guard, or to embarrass them. Examples: "Have you stopped beating your wife," and "When will you pay the taxes you owe?" The fact that it may be utterly untrue is irrelevant because it still brings controversy to the opponent. It is used to cast doubt and make your opponent a dark horse.
10. STALLING or IGNORING THE QUESTION: This technique is used to play for more time, or to avoid answering a pointed question. Examples: "More research is needed...," "A fact-finding committee is working on this issue...," and "I am calling for an investigation on this failure..." When asked about a tax increase possibility, an MP replies: "I have always met the obligations I have to those I represent."
11. LEAST-OF-EVILS: This is used to justify an otherwise unpleasant or unpopular point of view. Example: "War is hell, but appeasement leads to worse disasters."
12. SCAPEGOAT: This is often used with Guilt-by-association to deflect scrutiny away from the issues. It transfers blame to one person or group of people without investigating the complexities of the issue. Examples: "The Minister got us into a war", and "The Minister caused the government's debt."
13. CAUSE AND EFFECT MISMATCH: This technique confuses the audience about what is really cause and effect. In fact, the causes of most phenomena are complex, and it is misleading to say just one of the following: "French Pox is caused by bacteria," "French Pox is caused by unregulated capitalism that creates poor working conditions for Prostitutes," or "French Pox is caused by a lack of effective potions."
Here, Harry noticed, many blushed and sniggered about the examples mentioned, and Hermione, who was shocked, was covering her mouth with her hand. Harry had to chortle out loud at this before he began giving his views and answering any questions before continuing.
14. DISTORTION OF DATA, OUT OF CONTEXT, CARD STACKING, or CHERRY PICKING: This technique is used to convince the audience, by using selected information, and not presenting the complete story. Examples: "A study was done that showed eating peanut butter causes liver cancer." (The fact that later, the study was shown to be flawed or funded by peanut butter haters, and therefore, suspect, is not revealed). A variation would be: "Raising the speed limit on brooms to 150 mph resulted in many fewer flight fatalities." Such statements need to be checked with how many people were flying before and after the change in the regulated limit. Fewer people may be flying after the limit changed, even though the fatality rates, (deaths per 1,000), may be higher, leading to the overall result of fewer fatalities.
15. WEAK INFERENCE (or False Cause): Weak inference is when a judgment is made with insufficient evidence, or when the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the evidence given. For example: Ducks and geese migrate south for the winter, therefore all waterfowl migrate south for the winter, or most rich folks vote with the Purebloods, therefore most people who vote Pureblood are rich.
16. FAULTY ANALOGY: This is when a comparison is carried too far. Example: "The economy is following the same path as right before the great depression, so, therefore, we will experience a market crash soon!" A SLIPPERY SLOPE would be an example of a faulty analogy. Slippery slope makes the argument that a shift in one direction will continue to lead to extremes: (For example: drinking alcohol will lead to opium addiction). That is not, necessarily, so.
17. MISUSE OF STATISTICS: Some examples: Average results are reported, but not the amount of variation around the averages. A percent or fraction is presented, but not the sample size as in "9 out of 10 healers recommend..." Absolute and proportional quantities are mixed as in "50 more robberies occurred in our town last year, whereas other cities had an increase of less than one percent." Graphs are used that, by chopping off part of the scale, or using unusual units or no scale, distort the appearance of the result. Results are reported with misleading precision. For example, representing 13 out of 19 students as 68.42105 percent. Polls are guilty of using these methods as well.
18. FEAR: Example: "Of course, the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."_Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials. Fear divides us, and pulls at our heartstrings, causing us to accept positions and thoughts that we would not think about supporting otherwise.
19. AD HOMINEM ATTACK, (also called Deflection): You attack the messenger, instead of the argument or evidence that is presented.
20. TU QUOQUE ATTACK: Pronounced: too-kwo-kwee. This technique is when you respond to your opponent by accusing them of committing a logical fallacy, or propaganda technique, instead of addressing the claim of your opponent's argument and evidence. Example: "You, too, are using fear as a propaganda technique."
21. PREEMPTIVE FRAMING: Frame an issue before other people get a chance to. Example: "The only reason that spying on the poorly defended left is discussed, is that the loss by them was so big, that they were totally embarrassed." This, when, in fact, the left did not lose big, nor was it their fault that they got spied upon. This is also known as "getting ahead of the story."
22. DIVERSION: When a major issue comes up that is embarrassing or threatening, a diversion is created so attention is directed away from the issue.
23. STRAWMAN ATTACK: A form of argument, and an informal fallacy, of having the impression of refuting an argument, whereas the real subject of the argument was not addressed or refuted, but instead replaced with a false one. A typical straw man argument creates the illusion of having refuted or defeated an opponent's proposition, through the covert replacement of it, with a different proposition, (i.e., "stand up a strawman"), and the subsequent refutation of that false argument, ("knock down a strawman"), instead of the opponent's proposition.
Examples:
a. Quoting an opponent's words out of context, i.e., choosing quotations that misrepresent the opponent's intentions (see the fallacy of quoting out of context).
b. Presenting someone who defends a position poorly as the defender, then denying that person's arguments, thus giving the appearance that every upholder of that position (and thus the position itself) has been defeated.
c. Oversimplifying an opponent's argument, then attacking this oversimplified version.
d. Exaggerating, (sometimes grossly), an opponent's argument, then attacking this exaggerated version.
Strawman arguments often arise in public debates such as a (hypothetical) prohibition debate:
Person A: "We should relax the laws on alcohol."
Person B: "No, any society with unrestricted access to intoxicants loses its work ethic and goes only for immediate gratification."
The original proposal, by Person A, was to relax laws on alcohol. Person B has misconstrued or misrepresented this proposal by responding to it as if it had been "unrestricted access to intoxicants". It is a logical fallacy because Person A never advocated for allowing said unrestricted access to intoxicants (this is also a slippery slope argument).
.
.
"Now, for all of you who sit on the Wizengamot," Harry said as he slid the Mayhaw wand back up his sleeve, which caused both Cyrus and Gareth to smirk with a nod, and who were sitting to Harry's right, "you know about our Wizengamot debate about the very last thing in this list, and, I'm sure, you remember what was said during it. That was why I chose to include this example. It's fresh in your minds, you see.
"This, gentle wizards and witches, is how propaganda works, and you'll find that it is always used to pull on your heartstrings and emotions in order to have you to believe something other than the truth. It is designed to divide you and to make you fight between yourselves. Do not fall for it, and do not be duped!"
When Harry looked over his audience, he noticed Albus sitting upright, now, with pursed lips, and Hermione's eyes looked as if they would roll from their sockets. This caused him to almost snort, and chortle out loud. Yes, Headmaster, Harry thought, you're guilty of using these very methods, and on me, in fact.
"No," Harry said to his audience, "you have to not allow your emotions to direct your thinking, and believe me, you can't imagine the number of times that the Slytherins have accused me of wearing my heart on my sleeve. That was back when I was still gullible and sheltered from how this cruel world really operates. No, use that brain of yours, and find the facts. Look into their claims, and don't believe anything that isn't backed up by hard facts. You need to gain the mentality of a criminal investigator and sniff out the truth.
"Truth, you see," Harry explained, "is generally found somewhere in between each side's arguments, and sometimes, it can't be found there at all. Sometimes, both sides of an argument are wrong, and the truth lies somewhere else, somewhere that you've never thought of it existing.
"Now, I leave you today," Harry said as he left the podium, and walked out onto the floor in front of it, "with what I have learned by studying propaganda from university literature, and I have included everything, with sources, in the bound material you collected when you sat down. Some of the books listed are muggle, but can be purchased in several of their bookshops, or found within their larger libraries. If you can't find them and are interested, owl me, and I'll pick the books up for you, and owl them to you for what they cost me.
"This, gentle wizards and witches, ends my lecture, and I'm sure that you have more important things to be going on with today than listening to my blathering waffle. If you have any further questions, please do feel free to stop by my office."
Here, Harry gave everyone a huge and shark-toothed smile, where he said, "You're dismissed!"
There was much applause as everyone began to stand, and before Harry could make it two steps, Hermione barreled into him and almost bowled him over with a hug.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said with a smile and teary-eyed sniff, "you were wonderful! Why you won't consider teaching is beyond me."
Just as she let him go, Cyrus proudly walked up beside Harry and patted him on the shoulder. "You did well, son, very well, and I'm proud of you."
"He's right," Gareth said, who shook Harry's hand, "you did very well, son, and I'd say that many have learned a lot from this lecture."
"Harry," Dumbledore said, who made his way over with Rufus, "what a wonderful lecture! If you ever think about a teaching position, well..."
"No, Albus," Harry said with a slight shake of his head, but smiled, "that would separate Daphne and I too much, I think, what with the other Hogwarts duties that position entails, and I have too much on my plate now to do it. Maybe when I'm much older..."
"I see, I see," Albus replied, and hummed. "I hope you don't mind that I brought Miss Granger along, as I thought that this might be a good learning experience for her with what the Prophet, Witch Weekly, and Magic Eye publish."
"Oh, uh, no sir," Harry said as he gave the Headmaster a shrewd look, "not at all. I hope that she has learned from it, as it was a hard lesson for me to swallow, myself, and it was somewhat of a bother, and hard to prepare for this lecture and on this subject as well."
Before Albus or Hermione could say anything more, Rufus held out his hand, which Harry shook.
"Good job, Harry. Excellent presentation! That was why I picked you to give this lecture, and I dare say that many needed to hear it. I'll be by your office by the end of the day, as usual." Here, Rufus gave Harry a wink, which Hermione caught.
"Now, Albus," Rufus said as he turned to the ailing Headmaster, "why don't you and Miss Granger come up to my office, and you can tell me about what it is that you wished to speak to me about."
Before Dumbledore or Hermione could say anything else, Rufus was already herding the two out of the auditorium as others came up to quickly speak to Harry, and it went on like this until everyone left.
At eleven-thirty, Albus and Hermione were making their way through the ministry's atrium toward the floos, when he smiled at the young witch.
"So, tell me, Miss Granger, what did you think of Harry's lecture to our legal eagles?"
"Oh, uhm, well," Hermione spluttered over being caught off guard, "I learned a lot, actually. I wasn't aware that propaganda came in that many forms, but, of course, I've never really thought about it unless the Prophet was having a go at us."
"Yes, yes," Albus replied who was now looking up at the moving scenery on the atrium's ceiling, "and let us not forget Witch Weekly, The Magic Eye, and the Quibbler, hmmm?"
Albus noticed that Hermione's face turned rather sour when he mentioned The Magic Eye.
"Who do you think, Miss Granger, may be behind The Magic Eye, if I may ask?"
"Rumor is that it's someone from the states," Hermione replied.
"Hmmm," Albus replied while lost in thought. "What if I told you that I believe it to be this very ministry behind it?"
Hermione stopped in her tracks but then had to hurry to catch up with the Headmaster at this. "Surely, not!"
"Oh, yes," Albus remarked, "I believe it to be true, Miss Granger. Do you remember when Severus was missing for a few days, and I took over his classes?"
"Er, yes?"
"Well, then," Albus jovially explained, "Voldemort sent Severus on a mission to track down who owned that paper, and I told him that he should do it since I was also curious." Here, Hermione gasped. "Poor Severus found himself running about in the Caribbean and at Panama, where he found that the owners of that paper were shell companies with nobody employed at those addresses, and nobody's names were revealed for those accounts in their ministry's record departments. The curious thing was, the island accounts were all at islands once controlled by Britain.
"Ah, here we are, a free floo. You first, Miss Granger."
Ron and Neville had just set down at the Gryffindor table in the great hall, and both were looking for Hermione.
"Where is she?" Ron muttered.
"She'll be here," Neville said. "Gran told me about that lecture in the letter I received last night, and it was supposed to end before lunch."
"Why didn't he allow all of us to go," Ron complained, "you know, Harry's friends? He didn't even ask Harry's wife, for Merlin's sake!"
Just as Ron asked this, Hermione scurried in through the doors and took her seat beside Ron, where she tossed the lecture's binder down upon the table.
"I'm back," Hermione said. "Did I miss anything? Oh, I just know that I've missed something in Transfiguration that will be important!"
"No, not really," Ron replied as he hugged Hermione to him, surprising her at his public display of affection. "It was just to rehash what we learned during our last class is all."
Here, all three watched as the Headmaster made his way to the staff table, and take his seat.
"How did Harry do?" Neville asked.
When Hermione started to answer, the ailing Headmaster tapped his goblet with his spoon, and everyone quieted down. Next, the old Headmaster stood to address everyone now seated.
"Before we are fed and watered," Dumbledore said, "please allow me to tell you about the most wonderful lecture that I attended at the Ministry of Magic with Miss Granger this morning. It was quite a learning experience, and that is saying something for an old goat like me.
"This morning, Lord Potter and Black gave a lecture to those involved with the DMLE." Here, there were many gasps, and Daphne looked surprised. "It was about propaganda being spread in our news. It was quite educational, where he explained what propaganda is, the three different types of it, and the methods used to dispense it.
"Now, if any of you would like to learn more about this topic, then I'm sure that Miss Granger would be willing to tell you of what she has learned, or, you can schedule a visit with me in my office.
"That being said, let us now have our lunch!"
Just as Albus sat down, the food appeared, and everyone began whispering to those beside them about the Headmaster's announcement. Daphne caught Hermione's eye and gave her a nod, meaning that she wanted to ask her how well her husband's lecture had gone.
"What did Harry have to say?" Ron asked as he began loading his plate.
"Here, read that," Hermione said, as she sat the binder down beside Ron, who ignored it, though Neville picked it up, and began reading it as he ate. Hermione, though, began to fill her plate as well.
"Well?" Ron inquired, still waiting.
"I'll tell you on the way to class," Hermione replied since Ron wouldn't try to read what she had brought back with her. He was lazy that way, and she knew it.
"Now, let me tell you about my visit to the Minister's office...!"
Ron scowled at this and took a large bite from his chicken leg, which caused Neville to snort and smirk.
On the way out of the great hall, Daphne pulled Hermione over to one side and had a quick few words with her before they made their way on to their next class. What come out of it had Hermione scratching her head, when she told Daphne, quickly, about who Albus thought was behind The Magic Eye. Here, however, Daphne informed her that the Yanks used those very shell companies as well and that they were also within the Caribbean islands. She also mentioned Canary Wharf, in London, which was Yankee-run banks. This, then, meant that it could still be the Yanks behind it, which made her pout. She was just so sure after everything that Albus had told her.
"Now," Ron spoke up, "how did Harry's lecture go?"
Hermione scoffed but told her lazy boyfriend about the event on the way to class.
Harry had finished writing his report about the damage repaired in the West Country and was now leaning back in his office chair while reading that morning's Prophet. He was sniggering about several assumptions that the Prophet had made about the "power couples," and who may be seeing who. Propaganda, indeed, he thought, just as he heard his office door open.
Rufus walked in without a word and made his way over to Harry's decanter of Cognac, where he poured himself a drink, sighed, and made his way to a chair in front of Harry's desk.
"Busy day, Harry," Rufus complained, "and I am whipped."
"Yes," Harry agreed, "I feel the same. I've been keeping a check on my watch for five o'clock to roll around, as I'm looking forward to a quiet supper with Bathilda, and heading to bed early.
"I may do the same thing," Rufus grumbled, and then took a drink. "Well, how do you think everyone bought our little lecture?"
Here, Harry chortled out loud.
"Well, it should take the heat off us, if any were thinking that we may be behind The Magic Eye's propaganda. That was a good idea that you had, to do this, that is, which should divert their attention from us. Now, they'll still look for the source to be stateside over it."
"Yes," Rufus said as he smirked at Harry, "that was my plan.
"Now, about our upcoming hunting trip! Bertie said..."
When Harry stepped out of his floo, Kreacher took his coat, and he started making his way to the drawing room. Here, he yawned, thought about his day, and knew that it wasn't over, yet. No, he would have to inform Bathilda about everything, and once he was in bed, he would have to go over every detail with Daphne. Really, he just wished that he could crash, and go to sleep.
"Bathilda, I'm home!"
A/N: The plot thickens, where Harry and Rufus use propaganda to distance themselves from propaganda. Oh, what a wicked web...