For your second response paper, we will be exploring propaganda. In class we studied this extensively as we examined US, Japanese, German, and Russian propaganda before and during WWII. Choose any type of propaganda during the time period of the 1930s-1950s and briefly summarize the purpose of it. This propaganda could be an advertisement, a video – really anything. Just make sure you include the image and/or link where applicable.

QUESTION

For your second response paper, we will be exploring propaganda. In class we studied this extensively as we examined US, Japanese, German, and Russian propaganda before and during WWII. Choose any type of propaganda during the time period of the 1930s-1950s and briefly summarize the purpose of it. This propaganda could be an advertisement, a video – really anything. Just make sure you include the image and/or link where applicable.

Then, explain why you think it was effective or not.

You should have approximately half of a page of summary and more than half a page of response. Think critically about this.

It will be better if you choose propaganda about WWII.

ANSWER

Analyzing WWII Propaganda: A Case Study on Effectiveness

Introduction

During the tumultuous period of the 1930s-1950s, propaganda played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for various causes. This essay will focus on a specific type of propaganda from World War II, examining its purpose, and evaluating its effectiveness. By exploring a sample of wartime propaganda, we can gain insights into the techniques employed and the impact they had on society.

Propaganda Example: Rosie the Riveter

Summary

One iconic propaganda image that emerged during World War II is “Rosie the Riveter.” This powerful poster portrays a determined, muscular woman wearing blue overalls, with her sleeves rolled up, flexing her bicep (Du Plooy, 2021). The text accompanying the image reads, “We Can Do It!” Originally created in 1943 by J. Howard Miller for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, the poster aimed to encourage women to join the workforce and support the war effort while men were fighting on the front lines.

Purpose

The purpose of the Rosie the Riveter propaganda was twofold. Firstly, it aimed to persuade women to take up jobs traditionally held by men, such as factory work and industrial production. With millions of men enlisted in the military, the war effort required a substantial increase in the industrial workforce. Rosie the Riveter sought to challenge gender norms and motivate women to contribute actively to the war by portraying them as strong, capable, and patriotic.

Secondly, the propaganda aimed to reshape public perception of women’s capabilities and societal roles. By associating femininity with power, Rosie the Riveter challenged the conventional notion that women were only suited for domestic tasks (Alves & Roberts, 2012). It provided a powerful image of female empowerment, encouraging women to take on jobs that were traditionally male-dominated and fostering a sense of unity and national pride.

Effectiveness

Rosie the Riveter can be considered highly effective in achieving its intended goals. The poster successfully tapped into the patriotic fervor of the time, employing emotional appeals and reinforcing the notion that women were essential to the war effort. By portraying women as strong and capable, the propaganda challenged societal norms and contributed to a shift in public perception. The image quickly symbolized female empowerment and a rallying cry for women’s rights and equal opportunities (Rosie: By Any Other Name – the Riveting True Story of the Labor Icon, n.d.).

The effectiveness of Rosie the Riveter can be observed through its enduring legacy. The iconic poster has transcended its original wartime purpose and become a cultural icon, symbolizing women’s strength, resilience, and determination. It continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, serving as a reminder of the contributions made by women during World War II and beyond.

Conclusion

Propaganda, such as Rosie the Riveter, played a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support during World War II. Through its powerful imagery and persuasive messaging, this particular propaganda successfully challenged gender norms and encouraged women to actively participate in the war effort. The enduring legacy of Rosie the Riveter exemplifies its effectiveness in reshaping societal perceptions and promoting the idea of gender equality. By critically examining propaganda from this era, we gain valuable insights into the power of visual communication and the lasting impact it can have on society.

References

Alves, A. J., & Roberts, E. (2012). Rosie the Riveter’s Job Market: Advertising for Women Workers in World War II Los Angeles. Rosie the Riveter’s Job Market: Advertising for Women Workers in World War II Los Angeles, 9(3), 53–68. https://doi.org/10.1215/15476715-1634105 

Du Plooy, B. (2021, January 1). The return of Rosie the Riveter: Contemporary popular reappropriations of the iconic World War II image. Document – Gale Academic OneFile. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA688764551&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=10201491&p=AONE&sw=w 

Rosie: By Any Other Name – The Riveting True Story of the Labor Icon. (n.d.). DOL. https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history-rosie