Demonizing the enemy

Demonizing the enemy, demonization of the enemy or dehumanization of the enemy[1] is a propaganda technique which promotes an idea about the enemy being a threatening, evil aggressor with only destructive objectives.[2] Demonization aims to inspire hatred toward an enemy, rendering the enemy more easily hurt while preserving and mobilizing allies and demoralizing the enemy.[3]

  1. ^ Dower, Nigel (7 July 2009). The Ethics of War and Peace. Polity. p. 91. ISBN 978-0-7456-4168-3. ...the demonization or dehumanization of the enemy...
  2. ^ Danielle Rowell (October 2011). The Power of Ideas: A Political Social-Psychological Theory of Democracy, Political Development and Political Communication. Universal-Publishers. p. 162. ISBN 978-1-61233-769-2. State propaganda models are tactical strategies that employ enemy demonization techniques. The state promotes the idea that the threat (that is, tangible or intangible) is an evil aggressor whose sole goal is the destruction of the status quo.
  3. ^ Conserva, Henry T. (1 February 2003). Propaganda Techniques. AuthorHouse. p. 3. ISBN 978-1-4107-0496-2. The oldest trick of the propagandist is to demonize and dehumanize the hated other or others and make the enemy a ...