silas-kev01

[silas-kev01]

CMS 294: Assignment 2

Persuasion and propaganda are two very similar concepts. Many argue that they are the same, but in this blog post I’ll be sharing my thoughts on why I believe they are different.

The act of persuasion is the intent to sway a person’s opinion or ideals to match one’s own. To persuade someone is to use factual evidence to convince them that a certain choice is the right one, whether it’s a tangible entity or an opinion on a certain topic (ex. console debates or “Team Edward vs. Team Jacob”). Persuasion is usually a harmless method of placing odds in one’s favor. Propaganda, however, is taking the concept of persuasion and blowing it out of proportion. Slogans and imagery that are likely not true and highly disproportionate might be used in an effort to persuade someone through fear or shock. 

Propaganda has been used throughout history to outline threats that aren’t actually there. World War I recruitment flyers are a prime example of propaganda. Perhaps this poster is the most recognized example:

This harsh-on-the-eyes poster was created in hopes to recruit more soldiers to fight for the U.S. army. The bold lettering being bright orange(?) reads: "Destroy this mad brute," and "enlist" in all caps. The usage of the term "mad brute" is racist. Plain and simple. The image shown is a giant ape clutching a "helpless" white woman in distress in one hand, and a club with the word "culture" misspelled on it in the other hand.

Is the depiction of an ape walking on American soil an accurate or factual argument? No. Are the enemies there to steal your women? No. I would consider this propaganda for those factors.

To compare propaganda to persuasion, I will use a texting while driving ad that is used to get drivers to put away their phones while operating a vehicle:

While this may appear to be a bit on the "propaganda" side of things, it does not mention anything opinionated. The background is dull, but too many components would make the ad harder to take in. AT&T put these out to try to get cell phone customers to stop texting and driving. This ad is informing us of the text message that likely killed the person mentioned. The text at the bottom of the image reads: "No text is worth dying over."

This ad isn't blowing things out of proportion, not using false statements, and not using imagery to invoke unnecessary fear in its viewers. While it might appeal to the viewer's emotions (fear, concern, sadness), it does so in a calmer and more realistic fashion. Uses accurate, factual evidence? Yes. Does it carry any importance to society? Yes. I rule this advertisement as persuasion.

Here are some other examples for which I'll list whether I believe they should/would be considered persuasion or propaganda:

RULING: Propaganda

REASONING: implies that if you join the marines/submarine service, you will end up with a beautiful wife. A false, highly unlikely "if, then" scenario.

RULING: Persuasion

REASONING: a harmless, comedic promotion of gun safety. It is highly likely that if a child finds their parents' belongings around the house, they will play around with it without knowing potential consequences. There is nothing over-the-top, no harmful caricatures, and no false claims or assumptions.

RULING: Propaganda

REASONING: Clear usage of racial slur and caricature of Japanese people. Depicts the Japanese as rats with large teeth and small, slanted eyes. What makes the US Navy so sure they'll actually succeed against Japan? There's no factual evidence on this poster. It's clear that it's intended to provoke US citizens and soldiers to fight and lead them to believe they will prevail.

[silas-kev01]

Assignment #1

For the first assignment I decided to research Barbara Kruger's photographic art.

Barbara Kruger is known for her photograph collage pieces that she creates using black and white imagery with bold statements over them. Her imagery is used typically in a political sense, with most of her works having political implications and opinions. While the artwork she creates may look simple or dull, the meanings behind it has more of an impact on its viewers.

This piece titled "Untitled" followed by the printed words over the image (yes this is how it's referred to on Google, as most of her works are) depicts a woman's face split into two different color patterns, positive and negative. The words written are "your body is a battleground," which would have no apparent meaning to someone who was oblivious to current issues in society, but most adults can understand what this is referencing.

She openly but discreetly criticizes societal culture with the statements in her photographs. The story behind this piece brings us back to Roe v. Wade, which was recently overturned by the Supreme Court. People (assigned female at birth especially) will have no difficulty understanding what Kruger means by this. The cognitive theory of culture supports this, with the association of reproductive rights to the theme of battle or warfare. It has become so normalized for AFAB people to have to endlessly fight for their rights to their own bodies.

Here is another example:

Most people would immediately understand the meaning behind this photograph and the words printed over it.

It is culturally acceptable for men to be considered the "heroes" of today's society. Well, Barbara Kruger certainly challenges that notion with this piece. A young boy and girl photographed with the boy flexing his arm for her to examine can imply a few things, but let's just observe one.

It's a cultural issue that has been argued about for centuries: men are the sole "fighters" and "heroes" of the world, and women are just there to watch and/or support. Kruger's word choice is also a direct challenge to this cultural norm: We don't need another hero. Another man to take care of us. Another man in power.

Keeping these messages in mind, she released these pieces in the 80s. Imagine how controversial these images must have been in that decade of politics.

I also wanted to point out the color scheme she tends to work with. Most if not all of her pieces are black, white, and red. Perhaps the black and white imagery could be interpreted as a callback towards the old parts of society? The black and white film? Red also adds an element of the boldness her statements and artwork hold.