In a very contrasting poster to the Soviet one, the American propaganda picture shows "space marines" who appear to be taking over the moon. They are claiming the moon for the United States and removing the Soviets from the picture. This poster is more of a motive for men in America to race to the moon for the sole reason of beating the "Communist Filth."
In a similar manner to the Soviet one, the American poster depicts a realistic scene with average looking men standing on the moon. This stylistic choice was made to express that fact that anybody could partake in the cause, not just the extraordinary few. Also, the color scheme in this picture was bold. Unlike the Soviet propaganda, which seemed almost relaxing and mellow, the American version jumps out at you, almost as if to say, "Hey!! Over here!! Look at me!" I wasn't there when this poster was in use, but i imagine it certainly caught a few people's eyes.
Overall, all these elements combine to create a seemingly forceful, yet honorable tone. It appears as if the men are relentlessly trying to make you join their cause but the fact that they're drawn standing tall with the American flag and machine guns, makes one believe that it's a cause worth joining.
I definitely agree with you that the people in both pieces seem to be pretty "average" looking. However, one of the details that really stood out to me was the contrast in facial expressions between the two. Whereas the boy in the Soviet propaganda has an expression of innocence and wonder, the man in the American one looks intense and almost threatening. The severity of his expression concurs with what you said about the image being overall very forceful, and it gets the military- themed message across quite well. You also mentioned the stylistic elements of the American poster make "one believe that it's a cause worth joining." Do you think it's possible the intensity of the poster could've had the opposite effect on some Americans, that they would've seen it in a negatively, hyper-patriotic light? Or would the circumstances of the Cold War pretty much lead it to have the same, inspirational effect across the board?
ReplyDelete-Natalia de Gravelles
I agree with your analysis of the Soviet poster. It has a mellow, joyous, hopeful atmosphere with its use of pastels, faded and soft lines, and darks and lights without too much contrast. Even the text is calm, just large enough to be noticed, and not in too boisterous of a color. The American poster, on the other hand, is very American. All of the lines are very harsh, all the colors and values contrast, the wording is so in-your-face it's almost threatening. I would agree that it's urgent, but has a sense of honor about it, as if it's saying "Join our cause or else, but I assure you it's a noble cause."
ReplyDelete-Danielle
Nice post! I find it very important to notice the patriotic style in this poster. It is no coincidence that the background earth in the poster conveniently shows solely North America, our homeland. Likewise, there is not just one, but 3 complete American flags (I say complete to contrast with the torn and shot USSR flag) are depicted here. Finally, our astronaut is literally stomping on the USSR, to the point of shattering the glass of the 'opponent's' helmet. If that doesn't scream 'MERICA, I'm not quite sure what would... :)
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