Propaganda is when information or ideas given to public are false or exaggerated. This is done so the people think particular way or support a movement. Propaganda is usually directed at people’s emotions. It might try to rouse a feeling of patriotism or sense of fear that something might happen or might not happen. We can learn how the political leaders want to portray themselves and who they want to involve. These Russian posters shown are directed at the working class people, both male and female included. Also, the posters show that men and women should be strong and willing to fight for their country. We can learn the weak points of a particular country through propaganda because if it was a strong point, they wouldn’t have to use propaganda about it.
Obviously, the first thing we notice about this picture is that it is made up of the three posters. This gives the impression that the man is bigger than life. The way he is holding the paper shows that he is determined and working man. The red ribbon shows that he is also member of the communist party just like other people. Also, it represented the power of leader that they can’t put the picture of leader on one paper. It’s too small to describe him. This poster reminded people that the leader is absolute. For background, they used red. If you see the flag of USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) it is red and it shows the man is patriotic. It looks like he is wrapping himself in the flag. This would give the message that he was true nationalist and he would do anything for country. This would give the impression that he is trust worthy and honorable.
When we look at the picture, firstly we see the image of an angel with a heavenly blue background and then we see that the woman is wearing an army hat. The message is trying to get everyone that the female soldier is also an angel which say that they are fighting for the good cause. They are fighting against an enemy which is evil. On closer inspection we see that the upper head and eyes of woman are more lifelike. This picture would make the more accessible to people. It would be hard to relate to full drawing of an angel but with the life like eyes, people could say that could be me and rest of the drawing is symbolic representing an angel or good.
When you look the poster, you can see the leader in the center with the two men and a woman around him. However, this people are not special people. They are common people the workers. It’s like they are in conversation with the leader. This would be to give the impression that the leader is also a common man and he is for them. Notice that he is the shortest man in the picture. It shows that meek impression but he has confident and determine leader. Probably, when people see the poster, they would think that the leader is sort of their friend. It will help the leader to lead other people. People will be under the impression that he is accessible and like them. To look at the faces of the people around Lenin they are quite serious but they have a look of belief about them. He is also wearing a red ribbon which shows he is a good communist like the common people.
First impression of this picture is quite grim. We see a man who appears to be tired and beaten. He has got a dirty face and beginnings of a beard. He also has a rifle slung on his shoulder. Then to look closer, we see the man has a resolute look on his face. The dirt, beard and slung rifle give the impression that the man has just endured a battle and been victorious. Now the blue background reinforces this idea. The sky has no smoke in it. The skies are clear which give the impression that the troubles are over and better times are ahead. The message is also saying that our brave soldiers brought victory to the country and that is noble and brave action should be honored.
It’s a black and white picture that is surrounded on three sides by a red colored border. Predominately, we see a man and woman standing together. When we look at the shadows on their faces we can see they are looking out into the light that would gives the impression that they are looking to the future. The future is bright and therefore good. They both look young, strong, and healthy and that working on a communal farm is honorable patriotic thing. Their heads are positioned in the middle of a large star and their shoulders make up the final edges of the large star. The woman has almost the same height as the man which shows that woman and man are equal and everyone can work for their country. In the background, there are three harvesters working together in a massive wheat field. The side which the harvesters are heading to has no colored border. This gives the impression that the field is going forever. It gives the impression of prosperity.
In conclusion, it tells me that leaders of the country feel the people always need reminding of the communist cause. They are trying to give the impression that all people are equal including the leader. They want to give the idea the Russian people are resolute, strong, brave and are able to overcome adversities. I personally get the impression from the posters that the country is not technically advanced. When you look at the pictures of the people’s faces, it seems like they are all soldiers, factory workers, or farmers. There are no thinkers or scientists which would say that they should leave the thinking up to leaders.
Bibliography
"Russian Posters, Cuban and Other Posters. Propaganda Posters." Propaganda Posters. 6 Nov. 2007 <http://posters.nce.buttobi.net/>.
