Final answer:
The 'Either-Or' propaganda technique frames issues as having only two possible outcomes, pressuring the audience to choose between two extremes while ignoring other possibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary characteristic of the propaganda technique known as Either-Or or Card Stacking is the presentation of a situation in black and white terms, simplifying complex issues into a choice between two extremes or outcomes. The propagandist will deliberately exaggerate the pros of one side while minimizing or omitting the pros of the other side, leading the audience towards a predetermined conclusion. This technique often ignores the nuances and complexities of the issue.
For example, a propaganda piece may present the narrative that one must either support a particular policy wholeheartedly or be against the well-being of society, without acknowledging the possible legitimate criticisms of that policy or alternative solutions. This method is effective in that it presses the audience to make a quick decision, based on the illusion of a binary choice, often without considering the full spectrum of options or consequences. Moreover, by utilizing an Either-Or strategy, the propagandist shapes the discourse by creating a false dichotomy, coercing the audience into choosing a side, and thus, influencing public opinion to align with a specific agenda.