We may be inclined to think of propaganda as “lies” fired between political parties during elections. But propaganda is much more pervasive, spilling over the boundaries of partisan politics into many aspects of our lives. What exactly is propaganda? How does it work? And, most importantly, what impact does propaganda have on our personal psychology and the culture at large? “Propaganda ceases where simple dialogue begins,” wrote French sociologist Jacques Ellul in his book Propaganda. In this session of Young Philosophers, we will engage in dialogue as we investigate the use, function, and impact of propaganda in the 2024 Super Bowl commercials.
Young Philosophers is an online discussion for high-school-aged students. Join us for “Propaganda in Super Bowl Commercials” on Thursday, February 15, from 4-6 p.m. Pacific time. The discussion will be led by Gutenberg tutor Eliot Grasso. Participants are encouraged to watch and think about some commercials from the 2024 Super Bowl before class.
Attendee Requirements: High-school age
Maximum Attendees: 12
Eliot Grasso is the vice president and a tutor at Gutenberg College where he teaches art seminars and leads discussions in Western Civilization and the Great Conversation. Eliot holds a B.A. in music from Goucher College (2005), an M.A. in ethnomusicology from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick (2007), and a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance (2011). He has performed, recorded, taught, and lectured on Irish traditional music internationally.