Kairos is, by definition, a call to timely action targetted at a broad audience. In my opinion, the most effective use of Kairos is in wartime. The United States is a country that is considered a professional when it comes to propaganda and encouraging its citizens to take action. Below is an excellent example of this during World War II.

WW2 advertisement published in 1945 by the United States government.

Now there are a couple of points that stick out here. The most obvious one is the wounded soldier looking helpless. No American wants to see his/her people hurt or killed in the war, and this soldier looks like he could use immediate help. A question of credibility never arises because this is the U.S. government asking their people to help themselves. This message grabs the viewer because it sends them a proposition: “If I do not do something promptly, then these wounded soldiers will keep suffering.” At least, this grabbed my attention right away because wartime is all about having your country behind you when everything goes south. Any period, whether it be the 1900’s or the 2000’s, with rhetoric like this would draw the attention of any audience, no matter how modern-day or ancient they are in their thinking.

The second point considered here is the text above the soldier. It almost seems as if the soldier cannot afford care himself and needs support from others to make sure he makes it out alright. It makes the viewer see this situation as if when they buy the bonds and stamps, the money gets sent directly to the soldier and immediately helps him out. Huge drafts were taking place to get as many soldiers as possible for the U.S. Army to ensure the defeat of the Nazis. Who would not want to keep their own families safe by giving money to do so?

Something that is lacking is an addition that tells people where to buy these bonds and stamps. There could have been a phone number to call so that the citizens could set it up immediately. Even an address could be useful for this call to action. These suggestions are not to downplay the genius of the government during the war effort. They are just some pointers to make it easier for the citizens to give to their soldiers.

The U.S. government successfully received funds from the people because of the ongoing war across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They needed funds to get their troops over there and back safely, not to mention to provide the transportation. The Kairos used to encourage the citizens was taken advantage of because the whole idea behind World War II was “everyone versus the axis powers.” A view of donating more money to give more power to the allied forces spread throughout the four years of war, and ultimately ended up greatly aiding in the war effort.