COMS 361 - Lecture 4, War Propaganda for the Times

War Propaganda

Introduction to War Propaganda

• War propaganda is designed to influence public opinion and mobilize support for military efforts.

• Examples from different eras illustrate the changing tactics in propaganda messages.

War Propaganda for the Times

• Comparison of propaganda posters from two different eras: World War I/II and the Middle East conflicts.

• Both posters employ emotional appeals but differ in their methods and intended audiences.

Emotional Appeals in World War I and II Posters

• World War I Poster:

  • Targets fathers with a clear, guilt-based message.

  • Appeals to parental emotions, encouraging them to buy bonds to support the war effort.

  • Message is primarily conveyed through a strong visual image, designed for immediate comprehension.

• World War II Poster (circa 1943):

  • Features a daydreaming teenage girl, emphasizing personal stakes with the slogan: "Her America must stay free!"

  • Appeals to emotions around freedom and personal responsibility, using both image and text to intertwine personal values with a call to action.

Middle East Recruitment Poster

• This poster represents a shift in the portrayal of war narratives:

  • Focuses on army recruitment rather than emotional appeals around guilt.

  • Features a soldier in action, set in a desert backdrop, conveying a message of action and service.

  • Emphasizes information through written text, addressing potential recruits and encouraging an informed decision about joining the army.

Conclusion

• The shift from emotional guilt in earlier propaganda to informative messaging in later times reveals changes in societal expectations and communication styles.

• Understanding these shifts can help analyze how propaganda adapts to target audiences based on different contexts.