Post 11: Propaganda

According to Merriam Webster, propaganda is the "information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc." 

The most common examples of propaganda are the various War posters from the 20th century. 

One, if not the most iconic that has been in the background of some beloved movies, is the Uncle Sam poster. 

I want you! 

This first appeared on July 6, 1917, as we entered World World I on the cover of Leslie's Weekly. In the title of this cover was the statement, "What Are You Doing for Preparedness." The composition of this graphic was effective due to Uncle Sam pointing to the viewer as a way to compel action. 

Another famous propaganda poster that circulated throughout the United States was Rosie the Riviter. or was it? This was created by J. Howard Miller in 1943. This is often mistaken for Rosie the Riviter, but the true title belongs to the next example created at the same time.   

 

We Can Do It!

The goal was to encourage women already working for the Westhouse Electric company to keep working. The original intention was not as recruitment for women to be in the workforce as a whole, but this ended up being an added benefit during World War II. 

The true Rosie the Riviter. Created by Normand Rockwell in 1943. 

Rosie the Riviter

This poster's desire was to represent the women of America who worked in munitions and war supply factories. It served as a call to arms for women to be strong and capable to support the war efforts and recognition of their work. 

The last poster I will mention is also from the World War II era. Composed with the target audience being mostly the Navy men but applicable to anyone serving in any branch of our military. 

Someone Talked!

The purpose was to disuade anyone in service to talk about classified or important information that could unintentionally give the enemy the upperhand. Especially with the concern of a spy inflitrating any sensitive information or strategies. The poster potrays a man sinking in the water after what is implied a navy man has been casted into the water after the vessel he was on sunk. It shows the consequences of being too trusting or big mouthed. 

 

In many ways, propaganda can be effective and make a person think about their daily life habits and/or the country they reside in. As the definition states, it does not necessarily have to hinder anyone, but can help if phrased and drawn with the right intent and it being interpreted the way it should be. 

Resources: 

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/propaganda

https://www.canva.com/learn/examples-of-propaganda/