If you heard it on the grapevine, then you should probably question the validity of the message. Propaganda has been influencing countries for centuries. During WWII, everyone from Adolf Hitler to Walt Disney was producing propaganda to influence public opinion in their favor. Today, North Korea is a major user of propaganda.
To learn more about how and why men like Walt Disney, Pope Gregory XV, Dr Seuss, and Adolf Hitler used propaganda, check out this infographic presented by wordfocus.com.
Source: WordFocus.com