What Orwell didn't know

Here we have is a piece from a forum on Propaganda Then and Now: What Orwell Did and Didn't Know at the New York Public Library.

The piece pictured above clearly shows an American Flag, deconstructed, with overlaid text that reads "There you go again: Orwell comes to America." This in essence is a direct statement against america, claiming that the George Orwellian societies thought of in 1984 and Animal Farm are slowly becoming true. Because his books were works of fiction, it is interesting to see how these books hold real merit these days. The exhibit these posters promoted were ones specifically focused on the media, dealing with media saturation, double speak in the news, deceiving images, and image manipulation.

To read more about this, check out this pretty cool blog I found.

http://www.keeyool.com/event/ (there is even a entry about bike polo! - cool!)

LIQUIDATED LOGOS

The French street artist ZEVA has recently started bringing his art to the public with his "liquidated logos", featuring many very recognizable logos appearing to be being pulled by gravity and dripping to the floor. I'm not sure whether his art is intended to be political, but I believe it has a very powerful political and socioeconomic message.

In my opinion, these pieces exemplify the saturation of the corporate world and the need of our society to recognize when some companies are just too large for their own good. For example, as pictured above, he features the all too recognizable McDonalds logo, dripping as his other pieces do. This may be understood as the blood of its competitors, the animals they slaughter, the lives effected by the sale of such an unhealthy product and a number of other things. The resounding forms of propaganda used could Political, transfer, glittering generalities (with the use of dripping "liquid" from the logos, and perhaps name calling. This propaganda could be targeting any number of people. Naturally, those who's eyes are open to such topics would be good candidates or those who have no clue and are subsequently enlightened by the work are also targeted.

To view more of his art, check out

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/read.php?CATEGORY_PK=&TOPIC_PK=2033

WW 1 Propaganda

Is that a request or a demand?

This poster is obviously in support of the purchasing of liberty bonds during war time in the early 1900's. Why buy liberty bonds? Why it's the American thing to do, and if you don't we will all suffer. As a true American, we must support our allies overseas or else the evil forces will take over the world and spread their terrible ideals. This is a clear appeal to fear, and perhaps even a false dilemma, considering there are really only two options presented, to support or have the country perish, when clearly we know that this is likely not the case.

Interestingly enough, the same provisions that allowed these bonds to come into being still exist today and are the reason for all treasury issued bonds.

MAVERICK.

This photo is pretty interesting, a play off of the Obama "HOPE" campaign. The image is obviously Sarah Palin, pictured as a zombie or scary vampire with blood dripping from her mouth. Along with the image, just the word "vote" and a website titled, frightening prospect, one can easily see that this image is appealing to the fear that she could possibly be president of the USA one day, which is a pretty frightening prospect if you really think about it. It also uses Palin's image as a turn off to those who may believe her to be competent as a leader. (also using name calling and negative testimonial).

MILLIONAIRE.

This Soviet animation was a clear shot at American capitalists, who come into money and slowly become evil, comparing humans to ferocious bulldogs ready to strike without warning against the ideas that the communists believed in.

I would have to say that this animation appeals to fear while also using name calling in reference to capitalists as dogs. I believe this was produced by the government and aimed at the citizens of the USSR. I believe this cartoon is relevant to anyone who believes Americans were ruthless capitalists, willing to stop at nothing to gain power and to oppose peace.

God Hates Fags, Americans, and Soldiers

These nutjobs from Topeka, Kansas' Westboro Baptist Church believe that they know the truth, that God indeed hates gays, lesbians, soldiers, americans, muslims, and just about everyone for the sins they make. Wow. Who died and made them saved? They picket soldiers funerals, basking in the glory of each death as a small victory for their cause. It's all pretty ridiculous to me.

The people of this church have a very distorted view and honestly I don't know what intelligent or conscious person (with a pulse) can be receptive to any of the hate that they sling, but apparently there is a market for this bullshit in this world. Sad.

As far as propaganda goes, the Westboro Baptist church is using an appeal to fear (fear of sin, death and hell ... for those who actually believe this stuff) Name calling, mudslinging, and any other form or tactic a lowlife group like this would use to spread their messages of hate.

Welcome to 2009.

YOU GODLESS ATHEIST

Clearly, Atheists are faceless monsters, waiting to scoop up all the Christian children in the world. Talk about an appeal to fear.