Agitprop: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The term combines 'agitation' and 'propaganda', first used in the Soviet Union during the early 20th century.
• Rooted in the political movements of the time, its purpose was to inspire people to support communism.
• The original agitprop artists often traveled to communities to perform plays and distribute pamphlets, energizing grassroots movements.

Art and Literature

• In the 1930s, American writers and artists embraced agitprop as a way to address social issues during the Great Depression.
• The Federal Theatre Project in the U.S. produced agitprop plays that dealt with current political and economic struggles.
• The format has influenced various art forms, including film, music, and graphic design, often making powerful statements against oppression.

Political Science

• Agitprop plays a significant role in totalitarian regimes, shaping public perception and controlling dissent.
• It overlaps with modern social movements, where digital platforms spread similar themes of activism and social justice.
• Campaign ads in election seasons often incorporate agitprop elements to provoke emotional responses from viewers.

Comparative Culture

• Different countries have their own versions—like 'Zagreb's Agitprop' in Yugoslavia, which utilized cartoon-like art for activism.
• While often linked to leftist ideologies, various groups adapt the approach to suit different political contexts, revealing its versatility.
• Many forms of street art today reflect agitprop principles, aiming to raise awareness on social issues directly in urban spaces.

Ranking #38,753, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 38750 gambolling
• 38751 cogitating
• 38752 balaclava
• 38753 agitprop
• 38754 pummelled
• 38755 verruca
• 38756 hooray
• ...