PROPAGANDA IN AMERICAN FILMS: A STUDY OF HEROISM, ENEMY REPRESENTATION, AND LIBERAL VALUES IN HOLLYWOOD NARRATIVES

Abstract

This study examines the role of American films as instruments of propaganda, focusing on three main aspects: narratives of heroism, enemy representation, and the promotion of liberal values in Hollywood productions. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research analyzes selected films such as Captain America: The First Avenger, Argo, and Zero Dark Thirty through content analysis and literature review. The findings reveal that American films consistently construct the United States as a global hero while portraying opposing groups as threats, thereby reinforcing ideological perspectives aligned with U.S. political and cultural interests. In addition, these films promote liberal values such as individual freedom, democracy, and human rights, which are often presented as universal ideals. However, the study also finds that international audiences respond differently to these narratives, with some perceiving them as inspirational, while others criticize them as forms of cultural imperialism and political bias. Overall, this research highlights that Hollywood films function not only as entertainment but also as powerful media tools that shape global perceptions, influence cultural discourse, and reinforce soft power in international contexts.