Propaganda: It's All the Same

After exploring and discussion propaganda posters in class, I decided to look up some more. I looked at three sets of posters, a set from the United States during WWII, a set from the former Soviet Union, and a set from North Korea. In comparing these three sets, I noticed that while artistic style varied, they were all similar visually in that they all implemented solid bold colors, particularly red and black. The purpose for the posters in these three sets were also very varied, however, they were all similar in that they often equated fairly un-political and civilian duties and messages with drastic consequences or importance. Here are three such posters: one from each of the three sets.


“Beware of the wheels! - 1926
With a look that makes you think of the black plague rather than traffic safety, this poster was designed to inform people of the great dangers of a relatively new transportation method that was spreading in Soviet cities; the tram.”




“Prevention and more prevention. Let’s fully establish a veterinary system for the prevention of epidemics!”

I was also struck by the portrayal of the enemy in propaganda posters. While North Korea, the former Soviet Union, and the United States are very different and face very different enemies; the demonic, or at the very least, demeaning portrayal in their propaganda posters shows striking similarity. Here again are three posters, one from each set.




“Do not forget the US imperialist wolves!”


“You behave! - Unknown year
The stereotypical yankee capitalist is a common figure in propaganda posters. Here, he's trying to set fire to and bomb the Soviet Union, but a vigilant (and rather handsome) Soviet soldier is keeping watch. With the attitude of the soldier and the slogan, this poster gives a sense that the capitalists are nothing more than mischiveous little juveniles.”