Propaganda or persuasion: The Communist Party and its campaign to integrate baseball
This thesis discusses whether propaganda, persuasion or a mix of both was used in the American Communist Party's (CPUSA) campaign to integrate professional baseball. Representative articles published in the Daily and Sunday Worker sports sections from 1936 through 1947 were chosen for examination and analysis. Specifically, the use of "god," "devil," and "charismatic" terms are identified and discussed how the terms were used to educate, motivate, and activate members to participate. The use of "charismatic" terms is also examined in relationship to "Aesopian" language. The author concludes that a mix of propaganda and persuasion was used because intent of the campaign to secure new African American members was hidden from the audience. At the same time, the CPUSA also actively supported integration and consistently argued in support of this belief. In regard to "Aesopian" language, with the exception of name changes and one article from an Editorial Board member, little evidence suggests this form of propaganda was used during this particular campaign.
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