Propaganda from World War II Post

Due to the fact that technology has changed so much and so drastically since World War II, advertisements are hardly the same anymore. The poster form of propaganda was very appealing and eye catching for its time because people would see them on their way to grocery stores, restaurants, or even on street corners. Because this was essentially the only way to advertise media, the propaganda creators had to make each poster display a message for people to understand. They basically just got the point across however they had to do it. This is why there was so many words on the posters, so that people would read it and comprehend it. However, they began to get a little more clever as people stopped reading war posters because everyone already knew what all the war-hype was about. The posters started having symbols and political cartoons for people to try and decode so they could get to the bottom of what the advertisement was truly saying. The advertisement creators were trying to get their point across in the most clever way they could because they were trying to appeal to people to gain support. 

Now, with television commercials, billboards, podcasts, and radio propaganda, Media is trying to tell people to support change. Advertising is much different now because it is so easy to get access to. We see advertising and campaigning for what it seems like everything wherever we go. 

I found it somewhat of a comic relief when I came across a comment generally over all of the propaganda posters listed about careless talk. He or She said, “Careless talk? I better watch what I am saying at the grocery store since I usually discuss military and naval information while trying to find the best price of yogurt.” This statement brings out the point that essentially, no one is discussing war problems or conflicts at the grocery store anymore. Maybe it is because war is not something that is new to us. Everywhere we go we hear “Pray for the troops” but that is usually it as far as mentioning war with each other. 

Now, those who create war propaganda are trying to reach people just like us. What that means is, they use actors that will portray everyday American citizens so that their advertisement might relate to it’s viewers. When that doesn’t work, they get direct footage of the men and women fighting for the nation from wherever they are stationed. This creates sympathy and emotion amongst viewers because it shows them exactly what is happening in war. This form of propaganda is unique because they couldn’t do this in World War II, the technology wasn’t applicable yet. It also is designed to give Americans a direct view of what their friends and loved ones are going through as army, navy, or military men and women. Overall, I think it is good to have propaganda because we should be aware of what is taking place. Sometimes it may seem excessive, but it is necessary to provide accurate information so that Americans can be educated on the issues we face.