Propaganda: The Art of Persuasion

As an admittedly uninformed appreciator of art, works of propaganda have long held a particular appeal  for me as a result of their stark & meaningful imagery (and, of course, their historical value). Varying according to their national and temporal origins, these highly politicized pieces of art exhibit numerous styles and, in my opinion, are just plain cool. Some pieces have an understated character, while others are about as subtle as Miley Cyrus's trailer-park-Lady Gaga act. Either way, these works tend to be exceptionally compelling. 

Freedom isn't Free.

Democratic or Autocratic, Capitalist or Socialist, Badass or Blah; every type of regime has taken to the art of propaganda in order to promote their own distinctive policies, ideologies, and causes. From Uncle Sam to Guerrillero Heroico, these iconic images have resonated in the hearts and minds of countless people across time and space. The following examples exhibit just a few of the ways in which propaganda has been used to mobilize public opinion and action.

United Kingdom (ca. 1915)

 Oh, what a jolly, quaint affair that first World War must have been! Recruitment posters such as this 1915 piece aided in the mobilization of over 65 million soldiers worldwide, 9 million of which came from the United Kingdom alone ("WWI Casualty and Death Tables"). In just four years, 37 million "lads," a staggering 57.5% of the war's combatants, were killed, injured, or went missing as a result of a fatal combination of advanced military technology, flawed military doctrine, and unwavering political ideology.

United States (ca. 1942)

As World War II ravaged Europe for the second time in three decades, Salvador Dalí retreated to the United States- where he spent the next eight years of his life ("Salvador Dalí Biography"). During that time, the surrealist visionary produced this work for the US Military's campaign against Venereal Diseases. Among many works warning United States troops against the dangers of sexual relations with unfamiliar women in unfamiliar lands, this painting stands out for its depth & hidden imagery (Spoiler Alert: The women form a skull). 


France (ca. 1911)

An especially cynical & French take on socioeconomic organization, "Pyramid of Capitalist System" is an iconic piece of propaganda. Illustrating the exploitative relationship between the working class, the bourgeoisie, the armed forces, the clergy, and the government, this poster can be seen as a source of inspiration for the Wu Tang Clan's 1993 social commentary, C.R.E.A.M. ("Cash Rules Everything Around Me"). It can also be reasonably assumed that this poster inspired more than a few strongly-worded letters to French Representatives- out to keep the man down while they fatted themselves on baguettes & éclairs. Sacré Bleu!


United States (ca. 1938)

Though the "Red Scare" may seem irrational in retrospect, you better believe you would've had some sleepless nights waiting for OctoStalin to pop out from underneath your bed & convert your political allegiances. Published before the outbreak of WWII, this "pam-phlet"foreshadowed the impending rivalry between the US & USSR, whose utilitarian wartime alliance would last just four years.


Soviet Union (ca. 1941)

On June 22, 1941, Germany launched "Operation Barbarossa," its fateful invasion of the Soviet Union that opened a second front in WWII & ultimately devastated the Third Reich's ability to wage a successful war effort. The Soviet resistance was exceptionally fierce, partially due to the menacing racial ideology of Nazi Germany- which called for the enslavement of all Slavic peoples. The insanity of the Hitler's racial policies are mocked in these Soviet political cartoons portraying Reichstag President Hermann Goering & Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels.

Iraq (ca. 1980-88)

Now this is some effective propaganda! Surely this gentleman could be counted on to keep his people out of harm's way- just look how safe that girl looks. This Iraqi mural portraying Saddam "Rambo" Hussein dates to the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980's. In an era of training montages & mustaches, this piece is the truest form of art you could possibly imagine. The man is wearing Ray-Bans & a beret into battle for goodness' sake.

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"Salvador Dalí Biography." Salvador-Dali.org. Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation, n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2013. <http://www.salvador-dali.org/dali/en_biografia.html>.

"WWI Casualty and Death Tables." PBS.org. PBS. Web. 09 Oct. 2013 <http://www.pbs.org/greatwar/resources/casdeath_pop.html>.

The Photographic Past, Part I

Photographic images possess the unique ability to provide an intimate, tangible glimpse into the past. Though primary sources such as letters, newspaper articles, speeches, and legal documents provide us with invaluable information, photos often provoke emotional responses that are specific to the medium.

Photographs hold incredible story-telling potential. The atmosphere of conquest surrounding the meteoric success of Nazi Germany in the early stages of WWII is eerily perceptible in this picture of Adolf Hitler in Paris, France. Conversely, the ominous despair of the French people-on the cusp of their nation's darkest hour- is obvious in the eyes of this civilian. Even if these pictures do not tell the complete story, they offer a very compelling snapshot at the very least.

And with that I offer to you the first installment of "The Photographic Past," an exploration of some of my favorite photographs throughout history.

The Great Sphinx, partially excavated, sometime between 1857-1899. In other words, when it didn't look like this.

George Harrison, Abbey Road Studios, July 21, 1967. What were you doing at twenty-three years old? George was only writing & recording arguably the greatest album of all time.

Pablo Picasso was cooler than you or I could ever wish to be. Seventy-five years old, and Brigitte Bardot is positively swooning.

Just a little good natured American propaganda- God Bless it. 

Babe Ruth and his brother Gabe... never mind, that's Al De Vormer. 1921. (P.S. Who's best dressed, the Babe or Russell Westbrook?)

A fascinating view of the unfinished US Capitol in 1863-64, at the height of the Civil War.

Yale Rugby star George W. Bush delivers his famed right hook, nicknamed "Foreign Policy." The opposing player was later shot by Dick Cheney. 1966.