Fear
Definition:
Fear is used in propaganda with the aim to present a disastrous outcome that can only be prevented through a course of action promoted by the propagandist.
Fear is used in propaganda with the aim to present a disastrous outcome that can only be prevented through a course of action promoted by the propagandist.
Analysis:
In 1943, Americans, civilians and soldiers alike, were tired of the war. The war had dragged on long enough with the allied forces making little progress in stopping Hitler’s massive army. The Nazis were slowly gaining the upperhand and it looked like they were going to win. Morale was at an all time low and the American government desperately tried to boost morale and convince the American people to keep fighting. One of the government’s methods to boost morale was to print the poster above which depicts a war torn Europe with the slogan “It can happen here unless we keep ‘em firing!” The aim for this poster was to exploit the fear that many Americans had that the ongoing conflict in Europe would soon reach American shores. The idea was to tell the American people that giving up would mean sure death for them so keep fighting. With detailed drawings of war-torn Europe, the demolished houses and the wrecked cars, the poster wanted the people to be fearful. Then it presented a remedy that fighting would prevent such disaster; fight with the glorious American army and their blazing tanks and planes. The poster presented a fear and then a solution to the fear. Unlike previous “Join the fight” or “Fight for your country” propaganda posters which asked for the people to fight since it was their duty towards their country, this poster used a more practical reason as an incentive to persuade people to fight. Fight now if you do not want to die.
In 1943, Americans, civilians and soldiers alike, were tired of the war. The war had dragged on long enough with the allied forces making little progress in stopping Hitler’s massive army. The Nazis were slowly gaining the upperhand and it looked like they were going to win. Morale was at an all time low and the American government desperately tried to boost morale and convince the American people to keep fighting. One of the government’s methods to boost morale was to print the poster above which depicts a war torn Europe with the slogan “It can happen here unless we keep ‘em firing!” The aim for this poster was to exploit the fear that many Americans had that the ongoing conflict in Europe would soon reach American shores. The idea was to tell the American people that giving up would mean sure death for them so keep fighting. With detailed drawings of war-torn Europe, the demolished houses and the wrecked cars, the poster wanted the people to be fearful. Then it presented a remedy that fighting would prevent such disaster; fight with the glorious American army and their blazing tanks and planes. The poster presented a fear and then a solution to the fear. Unlike previous “Join the fight” or “Fight for your country” propaganda posters which asked for the people to fight since it was their duty towards their country, this poster used a more practical reason as an incentive to persuade people to fight. Fight now if you do not want to die.