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Propaganda has been a powerful tool used throughout history. But how does it really work? And is it only used to trick people into believing certain things? When we hear about it, do we think only about past historic events or can we think of an example of seeing propaganda in today’s world? 

Propaganda can be spread through books, movies, images, and other sources that reach mass audiences. Its primary goal is to change people’s views and opinions. After important events that changed the world’s history, propaganda started to carry a rather negative connotation. But it can also be used to spread positive messages and embrace necessary changes.

Bored Panda has already covered the topic by presenting these propaganda posters about the COVID-19 crisis. The pictures depict very recent events, so it’s no trouble for people to understand what is the hidden meaning behind them. But what about some of the older propaganda images? Are we able to decipher those? 

A subreddit called PropagandaPosters with 415k members shares various posters and pamphlets that show how propaganda was spread during various periods of time. These images depict and help to understand some historical events better with their symbolic drawings, call-to-action messages, and well-portrayed stereotypes. Which one of these do you find the most influential? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: Reddit

#2

Help Keep Your School All American! [1950]

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CowboyHank
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3 years ago

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Wow. I can't believe how ignorant you are. Where are you from that you think this is true? And people upvoted you? I feel horrible that you folks have to live where you live.

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Mars Lander
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the clear messaging of diversity in the poster as well

Andy Acceber
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remembered listening to a rerun of a Superman radio broadcast from the 40's. Even then, it included a PSA about racial inclusion.

Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After WWII, Superman needed a new enemy - and the Superman radio show was instrumental in exposing the KKK. Imagine that - those knuckle-draggers got owned by somebody who doesn't even exist!

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Bacony Cakes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

send this on folded a2 paper in full colour to donald j trump

Hollysmom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And 70 yrs later US is still full of bigots and horrible prejudices

Analyn Lahr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because, though through no fault of his own, technically Superman is an illegal alien. But he was raised American and should be allowed to stay. And that is a lesson he would teach.

Rieschelle Roberts
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is Superman American? Did he apply for citizenship? Isn't he a Kryptonian?

Keley Babs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah this is NOT what I was expecting from the 1950s. But cool!! Of course, they're all white in the poster, so... ???

Yoinks!
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Batman appeared in a similar campaign (although this one was presented as a full comic page, rather than a poster): https://cacb.wordpress.com/2008/11/28/batman-rallies-against-racism/ And---when they weren't indulging in wartime jingoism---the Justice Society would frequently point out that "liberty and justice for all" meant *everyone.* So when some comics historian tries to defend Ebony White or other hideous racist depiction as "a product of its time," remember: the people doing it KNEW it was wrong; there just usually weren't enough decent people with backbones willing to OPPOSE it.

Kimberly Banow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can Superman be all American if he was created by an American AND a Canadian?

Theodore Theodora
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, but this is a message in *favor* of honoring differences, no? Like, yeah, it's kinda clunky and tone-deaf by contemporary standards, but it's moving in the right direction? Or am I missing something?

kjorn
Community Member
3 years ago

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superman touch that asian kid in a weird way...

Floofy Samoyed
Community Member
3 years ago

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I would face palm bit u would lose more braincells

Beezel Palomar
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3 years ago

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This comment has been deleted.

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#3

We Don’t Always March Straight, Swedish Armed Forces Gay Pride Poster, 2018

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#11

"The First Lesson" - Ussr, 1964.

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Mars Lander
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This artist hits it. Every. Time. No wonder they were our biggest enemy, we didn't want them blasting our truths like that.

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#15

"Evolution?" // Anti- Nuclear War Poster (1970s Ussr)

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NsG
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't that an Einstein quote?: "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones"

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#18

“Rationing Means A Fair Share For All Of Us” - USA, 1940s

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Chrissy Neibarger
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't imagine the riots that would occur if this happened today. Too many selfish people now-a-days.

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#25

1900s, Anti-Feminist Poster.

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this one REALLY hasn't changed all that much. To this very day "Well you're just ugly and no man wants you!" is a line you hear all too often when a woman stands up for her rights. Or is outspoken in general, really. Because, y'know, being attractive to men is the be-all and end-all of a woman's existence. Sigh.

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#30

Hoarders, Panic Buyers, Shame On You! (Nazi Germany, 1942)

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Katie Lutesinger
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Except for the part about the toilet paper, apparently. :p

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#34

"Liberalism, The Right Way!" - 1924 Liberal Party Campaign Poster

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL. As if. Notice that labor is always in the back seat and has to push management uphill!

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#35

An Old Caricature Addressing The Different Colonial Empires In Africa Date Early 1900s

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M O'Connell
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It left out the Italian colonization of Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

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