An In-class Analysis of Two War Posters
The
major difference between the two texts is the gender of the central figures.
Uncle Sam is an older gentleman, someone who is venerated and incapable of
being questioned (his authority is emphasized as he points directly at the
audience). On the other hand, the second poster presents a woman whose hands
are in her pockets, with a lock of blond hair unloosened from her cap (hence
she is more lax and informal). Her complexion is pale and she is wearing red
lipstick. She lacks Uncle’s Sam’s rigidness and authority. The text in both
posters reflects the personalities of their central figures. In the former, the
text is written in rigid block letters; in the latter, the text is more ornate.
The second poster also possesses an element not present in the first: the
promise of a “promotion for any one enlisting.” Therefore, in the “Uncle Sam”
poster, the designer is appealing to the audience’s patriotism (Uncle Sam is
dressed in red, white, and blue) and is making a peremptory demand; in the
other case, the audience is being enticed to join the navy
by promises of a promotion and the allure of an attractive young woman.
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