U.S. WWII Propaganda
- Thread starter Uchite
- Start date
lonesoullost3
Economist in Residence
- 1 Jul 2005
- 221
- 12
I've seen some of these before, but even so - is this really that surprising? It was war time, and the first time there was heavy engagement between the United States and an East Asian power. It was the perfect opportunity for the government to utilize propaganda to arouse patriotism and public sentiments against Japan - which is what any government would want during a war (that is, public sentiments against their enemy). Even "innocent" Disney was involved with the creation of propaganda. When we look back on it now, of course it is all disgraceful, un-PC, and flat out wrong (factually and morally - the extent of which varies depending on the person obviously). But in the 1940s, do you think there was any sense of "this is wrong"? None at all. People in the US did not know much about Japan at that point - hardly anyone knew anything about East Asia period - Europe was our primary point of cultural and economic exchange. Therefore, it's much easier to inundate an ignorant people with propaganda than it is an educated mass.
Nevertheless, thank you for posting the clips as it makes people aware of some US perceptions of Japan at the time.
Nevertheless, thank you for posting the clips as it makes people aware of some US perceptions of Japan at the time.
