Exploring Fandoms through the Lens of Propaganda Analysis

Exploring Fandoms through the Lens of Propaganda Analysis

Presenter(s)

Irasen Borders, Derek Boykin, Audrey Castle, Noah Corbin, Lauren T. Crum, Colin Dempsey, Spencer Dileo, Sean Dodd, Michael Duvic, Bridget Mary Flood, Dyan Garner, Kristofer Geier, Leah Heil, Austin Holguin, Maria Manzella, Katharine McCabe, Camryn McKenzie, Kurtis Neiman, Paul Nemeth, Lindsay Norton, Tyler Peterson, Natalie Rach, Patrick Schwartz, Emma Sparling, Evie Stuczynski, Michael Tomes, Olivia Turturro, Madeleine Vandegrift, Sophia Vonkaenel, Connor Weisensel, Sofia Zunt

Comments

3:30-4:30, Kennedy Union 222

Description

In CMM 350 History and Analysis of Propaganda, we as a class explored the phenomenon of fandoms through the lens of propaganda analysis. Working in small groups, we selected four fandoms, each of which we approached as a distinct campaign of propaganda, combining features of conventional top-down direct propaganda and horizontal decentralized sub-propaganda. These fandoms included the messaging surrounding Luigi Mangioni, the alleged assassin of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare; convicted serial killer Ted Bundy; the reality TV show Survivor; and Mickey Mouse, the legendary icon of Walt Disney Studios. Using five steps of a method developed by Jowett & O’Donnell, we studied primary and secondary sources relating to these campaigns; mapped the structure of the campaign as a communication system; and analyzed these sources to draw conclusions about the identity of the propagandist, the target audience, techniques for the utilization of media in the campaign, special techniques employed in the campaign for influencing the audience, and the reaction of the audience. The goal of this analysis is to provide an accurate understanding of the workings of these campaigns, often invisible to the public, so that we and others as consumers of media can make more informed decisions about our interactions with these and similar campaigns. We also hope to identify patterns that stretch across these different campaigns, despite their different foci, which can help us to understand the general phenomenon of fandoms, including the active and creative ways audiences participate in the campaign and contribute to it.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Course Project - CMM 350 M1

Primary Advisor

Jason E. Combs

Primary Advisor's Department

Communication

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Critical Evaluation of Our Times; Scholarship

Exploring Fandoms through the Lens of Propaganda Analysis

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