Assignment Paper 107: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century

"Art as Propaganda: Exploring its Role in Shaping Perceptions and Ideologies"

Personal Information:

Name: Aakash Chavda
Enrollment Number:- 5108230011
E-mail Address:- aakashchavda637@gmail.com
Roll Number:- 1

Assignment Details:-

Topic: "Art as Propaganda: Exploring its Role in Shaping Perceptions and Ideologies"
Paper & subject code:- 22400 Paper 107: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century
Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar.
Date of Submission:- 26 April, 2024

Abstract

Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for shaping perceptions and ideologies of people, often used as a vehicle for propaganda throughout history. Through an analysis of historical examples and contemporary manifestations, the study delves into the ways in which art promotes political agendas, reinforces social norms, and influences collective memory. Moreover,  the assignment considers artistic responses to propaganda, including subversion and resistance, as well as the challenges posed by the digital age and the proliferation of misinformation. By shedding light on the complex relationship between art and propaganda. 

Keywords: Art, Propaganda, History

Introduction

Propaganda, traditionally associated with speeches and writing, also has been used in visual art to convey political messages. Through intentional manipulation, art serves as a powerful tool for expressing and reinforcing political ideologies, driving societal change. The convergence of propaganda production during World War I and the maturation of art history as a discipline marked a pivotal moment in the examination of art's relationship with politics and power. The term "propaganda" emerged as a modern category to encapsulate the intricate interplay between art, both sacred and secular, and the dissemination of political agendas and ideologies.

What is Propaganda?

Propaganda, according to Merriam-Webster, refers to "ideas or statements, often untrue or exaggerated, disseminated to support a cause, political leader, or government." Throughout history, art has been used by authoritarian regimes and ambitious leaders to advance their agendas, as well as to serve the collective interests of society. Creating art provides individuals with a potent means of expressing affection and allegiance, making it a powerful medium for showcasing patriotism and enduring devotion to one's nation.

Propaganda is commonly seen in various forms like writing, movies, speeches, official reports, and even alterations to historical events. However, art holds a unique power to convey propaganda messages. Artists can use paintings, sculptures, buildings, metalwork, and drawings to communicate specific ideas and influence people's opinions.

Propaganda in Ancient Times

Some of the earliest human civilizations in the Ancient Near East needed to unite their people and protect themselves against other nations. For instance, the above mentioned painting discovered in royal tombs, which served as a flag for battle. This artifact has two sides, showing scenes of Sumerians in war and peace. It displays captured enemies, performers, and the king seated on a throne, all emphasizing the greatness of Sumeria.

World War I and Propaganda 

First World War witnessed the emergence of political propaganda, notably through posters, as a powerful tool to sway public sentiment. One iconic example is the 'Your Country Needs YOU' poster featuring Lord Kitchener, designed to evoke both patriotism and a sense of duty. Crafted by artist Alfred Leete, it portrayed Kitchener pointing directly at the viewer with an intimidating gaze, urging them to enlist in the war effort. This poster ignited a surge in enlistments in Britain and was later adapted by the United States as the 'Uncle Sam' poster, maintaining the same persuasive elements to rally support for the American army. Such kind of posters make a big impact on peoples mind and perceptions towards war and other political agendas, and prompt them to joint in the cause without seeking out for the credibility of the things they are doing. Emotional manipulation is one of the best way to convince people to gain personal political advancement.

The visual history of these posters reflects the malleability of political propaganda in advancing various political agendas. They effectively capitalized on symbols of national pride and duty to mobilize citizens towards the war effort. Through pointed fingers and bold text, they conveyed a sense of urgency and personal responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on public perception and influencing recruitment numbers during a crucial period in history.

Second World War and Nazi Party

Nazi propaganda constantly reinforced the notion that Hitler was the embodiment of the national will. Here, a determined looking Hitler in military dress stands with clenched fist, poised for action above the adoring crowd. The text on the poster says "Yes! Leader, We Follow You!" (Ja! Führer wir folgen Dir!) This poster, designed for a 1934  public referendum on uniting the posts of German chancellor and president, conveys unanimous popular support for Hitler.

“Propaganda is a much maligned and often misunderstood word, the layman uses it to mean something inferior or even despicable. The word propaganda always has a bitter aftertaste.” said Joseph Goebbels in 1933.

During the Second World War, art became a powerful tool for propaganda on both sides of the conflict. Bombastic images of dictators like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, served to impose patriotic fervor and demonize the enemy. These artworks, while effective in conveying a message and promoting political ideologies, often lacked artistic merit, appearing more as instruments of brainwashing than genuine expressions of creativity. However, amidst the war's turmoil, propaganda also spurred the creation of notable artworks that transcended their propagandistic purpose. For example, the United States utilized modern art as a cultural weapon, funding exhibitions like Advancing American Art to counter Soviet claims of cultural superiority. Despite the manipulation of art for political ends, the period witnessed instances where propaganda inadvertently produced compelling and enduring artistic expressions.

During World War II, propaganda posters were often used to fuel nationalism by portraying the enemy in a negative light. For instance, the Nazis depicted Jews, Romani people, and homosexuals in a derogatory manner to garner support for Hitler's vision of a unified Germany. This propaganda aimed to manipulate public opinion by demonizing these groups while glorifying Hitler as a savior figure.

Similarly, the United States employed propaganda to incite hatred towards the Japanese following the attack on Pearl Harbor. American posters often featured racist depictions of Japanese individuals with exaggerated features, contributing to the dehumanization of the enemy. 

How to Analyze Propaganda?

Jowett in his work, Propaganda and Persuasion describes the ten stages of propaganda that we should be able to trace.

Propaganda can be broken into ten stages when analyzing it in detail. These stages are: 1) the ideology and purpose of the propaganda campaign, 2) the context in which the propaganda occurs, 3) identification of the propagandist, 4) the structure of the propaganda organization, 5) the target audience, 6) media utilization techniques, 7) special various techniques, 8) audience reaction to various techniques, 9) counterpropaganda, if present, and 10) effects and evaluation

Media's Use of Propaganda to Persuade People's Attitude, Beliefs and Behaviors

Propaganda has been around for centuries, but it's only in the recent times, with advances in science and technology, that it has become a powerful tool for influencing large groups of people and particularly youth. While we often associate propaganda with times of war, it's also used in politics and social situations to shape people's opinions. For example, politicians use propaganda techniques in TV commercials to make themselves look better than their opponents. The media also uses propaganda when talking about countries with nuclear technology.

Modern propaganda uses all the media available to spread its message, including: press, radio, television, film, computers, fax machines, posters, meetings, door-to-door canvassing, handbills, buttons, billboards, speeches, flags, street names, monuments, coins, stamps, books, plays, comic strips, poetry, music, sporting events, cultural events, company reports, libraries, and awards and prizes.

Case of Pakistan

The media's coverage of Pakistan's nuclear achievements reveals the use of propaganda techniques to portray Pakistan as a potential threat. Through methods like social proof and association, the media links Pakistan with historically defined enemies of the United States, such as Iran, Syria, and Libya, creating a sense of fear and distrust. Terms like "Islamic bomb" are employed to further states Pakistan as a threatening country, despite the country's denials of any intention to share its nuclear technology. Scholarly works also contribute to this propaganda narrative by suggesting connections between Pakistan and other nations deemed hostile to the United States, like the former Soviet Union. The media's portrayal of Pakistan's nuclear capabilities serves to shape public opinion in a specific context, employing propaganda tactics to influence perceptions of the country in Pakistan and also in other countries as well. 

Conclusion

The exploration of art as propaganda reveals its significant role in shaping perceptions and ideologies throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, art has been used to promote political agendas, influence public opinion, and rally support for various causes. By analyzing the techniques and intentions behind propaganda art of Nazi party of Germany, into the power dynamics at play and the ways in which visual imagery can be wielded as a tool for social and political change. Historical propaganda instance like poster form both World Wars servers as a potent example for contemporary times in analyzing the such kind of posters or speeches which is used to advance political agendas. 

Wordcount: 1708

References

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“Nazi Propaganda | Holocaust Encyclopedia.” Holocaust Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/nazi-propaganda. Accessed 25 April 2024.

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Sauquet, Mathilde. “Propaganda Art in Nazi Germany: The Revival of Classicism.” Trinity College Digital Repository, 2014, https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1050&context=fypapers. Accessed 24 April 2024.

Sooke, Alastair. “Can propaganda be great art?” BBC, 3 July 2013, https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20130703-can-propaganda-be-great-art. Accessed 25 April 2024.

Weissman, Shawn. “How Has Art Been Used as Propaganda?” Owlcation, 20 October 2023, https://owlcation.com/humanities/How-has-art-been-used-as-propaganda. Accessed 25 April 2024.