# 13. Propaganda ## 13.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 13.5.1. Assertion Assertion is a propaganda technique often used in advertising and modern propaganda. An assertion is an enthusiastic statement presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true. The manipulator implies that the statement requires no explanation but that it should merely be accepted without question. Examples of the assertion technique can be often found in modern advertising propaganda. Any time an advertiser states that their product is the best without providing evidence for this, they are using assertive propaganda. The subject, ideally, should simply agree to their statement without searching for additional information or reasoning. Assertions, although usually simple to spot, are often dangerous forms of propaganda because they may include several falsehoods. ### 13.6.1. Avoidance of Assertion This can be detected by anyone really and can be overwhelmed by simply asking and repeating a lot of questions about the underlying basis of the assertion. Eventually the manipulation will dry up and the manipulator will be unable to provide rational-sounding answers to defend the assertion.