Printable one-sheet (front & back) in Adobe PDF.
Students in the Communication Law and Ethics course at Fitchburg State University created this one-sheet for the Worcester County (MA) SOPHIA Chapter. Dr. J.J. Sylvia IV and Dr. Kyle Moody edited it. Its creation was supported by SOPHIA and the Douglas and Isabelle Crocker Center for Civic Engagement. Students included Lindsey Ogden, Kenneth Howell, Martin Heffler, Skyler Saddow, Edgar Mutebi, and Harrison Svihla.
While political advertising can be a useful tool to reach the public in order to inform them on political topics and candidates, these types of advertisements are often saturated in controversy.
Click here, on the image above, or on the Adobe PDF link on right to open a printable, Adobe PDF version of the one-sheet, which, if printed, is intended to be printed front and back.
SOPHIA is grateful to the students in the Communication Law and Ethics course at Fitchburg State University, as well as to Drs. Sylvia and Moody and to the Crocker Center for Civic Engagement.
“Would you consider using psychology and rhetoric in advertising as a form of manipulation?” / What about as a trial lawyer presenting a case to a jury?
Great question, James. There’s a story about Abe Dennison, who would dress up his wealthy clients in $100 suits and make sure a bus pass was sticking out of their pockets. It feels gross as a form of manipulation, but it’s the burden of the prosecution to make its case. And, there are ways of revealing the truth of such persons’ advantages, revealing the falsity of such a look. When such manipulations are revealed, furthermore, they can backfire. So, it’s risky.