The Bandwagon is another logical fallacy that is also a form of propaganda. Someone using the Bandwagon is attempting to win the debate through popularity rather than logic. Anyone who has ever been a child has probably used the Bandwagon.
“Mom, can I go see Terminator: Blood Bath with Jimmy and Bobby?”
“No you cannot, that movie is rated ‘R', and you are 11.”
“Oh come on Mom, everybody else has already seen it.”
Explaining why he's mature beyond his years would be a valid argument for why he should be allowed to see the movie, but claiming that “everybody else has already seen it” is a bandwagon fallacy.
“Hey Mike, you should try this, sniff this glue.”
“Ahh, no thanks, I like my brain cells.”
“Everyone's doing it man, just try it.”
This form of peer pressure is, again, a bandwagon fallacy.
Bandwagon is also used often in advertising.
“Ford F-150 has been the best selling pickup for over 30 years.”
“Choosy Moms choose Jiff”
“More Americans get their news from ABC News than from any other source.”
Next Lesson: Appeal to the People
