This comes from the “Warning! Our Homes Are in Danger Now” section of part two. This poster was arranged to show first and foremost the danger to the United States, second the narration tells people how they can help. A beautiful woman and brings the grabs viewers attention, but upon looking at it further a black creeping darkness represented by hands begins to fill the scene. The lady looks as though she might think some thing is wrong but not know what it is. However, the audience is aware of the danger because a Swastika and Japanese Imperial Rising Sun adorn the hands reaching out towards the mother. This image becomes fixed in the mind because of its emotional quality, no sane person wants to see a mother and child hurt. Lastly, the poster is completed with a War Bond add "KEEP THESE HANDS OFF," informing the viewer their duty to protect the innocent. The delivery of this poster reflected the classical horror movie full of suspense, rather then the real horror happening in the war.
I like how you describe the creepiness of it. It was a brutal way to convince someone to buy a bond.
ReplyDeleteHeather-
ReplyDeleteWhat a great image to use. Your discussion of the use of symbols here - as see in the emblems of the "enemy" - is really interesting. Think too about what the woman and baby symbolize. They are not only people but also a symbol of family, of innocence, of America. Consider the ethnicity and look (blonde) of both mother and child. How might that be important to the message of the poster?
Great interpretation-
Jen