After World War I, people couldn't be feeling too happy with their country. The pride felt before the first war just wasn't there. Through propaganda posters, governments were just trying to get people involved as many different ways as they could. Nationalism obviously was no longer an option, and fear was outdated, so humor seemed to be the last chance.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Propaganda- More Clever with Time
I found that the propaganda posters during the time of WWII were surprisingly clever. They were full of rhyming slogans and satirical pictures that, instead of conveying the serious fear or intense nationalism that the WWI propaganda posters were aiming for, they seemed to be mocking the war. One of my favorite posters was one that said sugar is scarce, make it stretch. It was promoting the conservation of resources just as many posters wanted to do during the first World War. Yet, the silly picture of a stretched bottle of sugar makes you want to giggle rather than fear that food will run out. I think that one of the reasons that governments wanted to eliminate the promotion of fear and nationalism, is that they saw it as an outdated tactic and it wouldn't work again. Obviously no one wanted another war, especially so soon since the other war. In the first war it was easier for people to fight for and have pride in their country because they all had hope that they would win and that it would be short and fast. After the lengthy war, people knew not to have such great expectations. People weren't naive enough to invest themselves in another war. Governments stopped promoting nationalism and instead tried to make people laugh. Perhaps they thought that it would downsize the looming of another World War.
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A fascinating analysis of the use of humor in wartime. You're absolutely right: there's a lot more silliness and a lot less self-righteousness this time around. Your reasoning is sound and convincing. This could be a topic to return to in later papers and projects.
ReplyDeleteYour point is well taken; it was almost as if World War I never stopped because it wasn't that long ago and the emotions of the people are still there. It is like the government is starting right off with the humor because people are weary of war just as it is starting.
ReplyDeleteGreat point about the change in how the government dealt with serious issues. I now remmeber that when the government wanted too get a point accross in WWI posters they would use fear. But as you say, these new tactic play on lighter emotions to get points accross. Good job.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Molly that the atmosphere of war has not really disappeared only minimized. Aiming at the audience's lighter emotions can bring them great success in convincing people. You make a very good point and express it very well. Great job!
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