Anastasia Hale
English 137H
Dr. Rosenberg
June 29, 2016
US War Sentiments: From Nationalism to Desertion
Throughout American history, citizens for the most part, have supported war efforts they believed (or were led to believe) are in defense of noble causes, such as freedom from oppression and tyranny. America’s role in World War II is widely regarded as just and noble, as it was necessary to oppose despots who desired world domination and sought to exterminate groups of people. For these reasons, Americans felt strong sentiments toward their country, conserving food and utilizing rationing stamps, also due to previous fears brought on by the great depression. Advertisements were placed in women’s magazines, encouraging women to make use of leftover food and purchase items that contained less waste. These images featured smiling mothers and wives, happy to support the war effort and the troops, who were probably their husbands and sons.
While World War II inspired strong nationalistic sentiments, other momentous events in history, such as the Vietnam War, brought about division and animosity. During the Vietnam War, many Americans discouraged the war effort, creating posters that denounced the decisions of the government in sending troops overseas to oppose a less tangible threat in order to protect our national interests. Through imagery, kairos, tone, and theme these posters exemplify the tactics of the US antiwar movement, revealing the dissatisfaction of the youth with the US government.
Most posters reflecting the US antiwar movement contain vivid and harsh imagery, making use of bold colors as well as dark pictures. One specific advertisement states in bright red capital letters, “STOP THE WAR!”. It also includes a navy blue peace sign on the left, and an ominous grey and black soldier wearing a gas mask and carrying a gun. First, the vividness of the text reveals the urgency of the message, showing importance that members of the US antiwar movement attached to their cause. The color red symbolizes strong emotions such as determination and aggression, uncovering the anger felt by members of society opposed to the Vietnam War. The color red is also associated with the physical manifestation of war, namely blood and fire. Also, the dark colors of the soldier represent the supposed untold evils of foreign combat, especially because of the addition of the gas mask. Chemical warfare, a method first used during WWI, was heavily used in Vietnam, and a vast majority of US citizens opposed the idea. The negative portrayal of the gas mask reveals this ideal, showing the soldier not protecting himself from a weapon from the enemy, but instead using it to shield himself from his own violence. The gas mask also conveys a sense of anonymity, on one hand portraying soldiers as cold and impersonal killers and on the other hand making it easier for the artist to vilify human soldiers who were merely instruments of policy. The large gun held by the soldier assists in fortifying this concept, appealing to the emotions of the American people. Weapons of destruction instill fear and alarm within members of society, causing them to carefully consider the reality of the situation at hand. As citizens feel emotion, the artists fulfill the purpose of the poster, adding a stronger anti war sentiment at home and abroad. Additionally, the blue peace sign on the left side of the poster symbolizes the need for harmony in Vietnam, a country located to the west of the United States. In showing its desire for peace, the US antiwar movement shows that it does not only focus on the negative effects, but also the positivity that could be happening without the mass destruction and chaos. The peace sign also addresses exigence, an opportunity for change, encouraging the American people to band together in order to end the lengthy war and stalemated conflict. Ultimately, the vivid imagery calls attention to the poster, evoking pathos within the audience.
In addition to imagery, kairos also assists in furthering the objectives of the US antiwar movement. The specific poster mentioned was put on display between 1958 to 1975, the time of the Vietnam War. By placing the poster in front of the American public during this time, the members of the antiwar movement were able to convince members of society to think twice about the war, persuading some to change their stance on the conflict and galvanize the opinions of some pro war supporters. Also, by advertising in places such as colleges and universities, the creators of the text logically appealed to the more liberal youth. Historically, students tended to become involved in more riots and active protests, an audience to which the US antiwar movement hoped appeal. Also, young men were being drafted into the battle, sent to kill and die in the jungles of southeast Asia. The anger and frustration toward this process was felt by not only those of draft age, but also their friends and those who would soon be of age to fight. By playing to the emotions of volatile individuals, citizens against the Vietnam War banded together, physically and emotionally supporting their cause.
Along with imagery and kairos, the abhorring and outraged tone of the poster also contributes to the purpose of the US antiwar movement. Initially when viewing the poster, the bold, red words and exclamation point attract the audience, causing them to question the message confronting them. The prominent phrase brings light to the purpose of the author, persuading American citizens to denounce any war efforts and actively proclaim their opinions on the controversial war. The tone also invokes some anger or confusion within the reader, emotionally swaying them to one side of the argument. By invoking pathos, the US antiwar movement successfully works to morph the opinion of the American people, especially the youth. Additionally, the contrast of the hollowed looking soldier with the bright blue peace sign brings about a sense of hope versus static uneasiness. The dead looking serviceman symbolizes the continual loss of lives overseas as well as the pointlessness of war. Through this comparison, the US antiwar movement encourages its audience to choose peace in order to conserve the lives of not only soldiers, but innocent women and children in Vietnam. Ultimately, the horrified tone of the poster brings about a commonplace surrounding the brutality of weapons, arguing that war is an unnecessary measure.
Finally, the theme of the US anti war movement poster advances the cultural conversation, revealing the political dissatisfaction held by much of the nation. The strong images paired with tone and kairos all work together to highlight the message that anti war protesters wanted to send; one promoting an end to the violence and the beginning of a new peaceful era. The theme of the poster establishes somewhat of a background for the anti war movement, rebels serving a seemingly just cause. The idea of a positive rebellion also attracts the youth who have been searching for a principle to pledge their support. Moreover, the overall shift of American attitudes from patriotic pro-war conservatives to disgruntled anti war activists underscores the corrupt nature of US politics as perceived by the people as well as a low satisfaction rate for presidents who served terms in the latter part of the Vietnam War. This can be seen through various examples of riots, more specifically the Kent State protest on May 4, 1970 in which the national guard shot into a crowd of anti-war students, killing four. Connections to these events evoke a feeling of hatred, either for or against the war, views depending on political perspectives held at the time.
Thus, through imagery, kairos, tone, and theme, US anti war posters persuaded members of society to act out against the Vietnam War, spreading a sense of dissatisfaction with the government. By continually evoking strong emotional reactions from the audience coupled with nightly news coverage, the creators of the advertisement effectively convinced people to consider the negativity of the war efforts. During the time period, youth responded with much intensity, causing the numbers of people in the anti war movement to proliferate. As the war came to an end in 1975, many people were doubtful, considering America’s true duty within civilization. These views have since shifted, society perceiving war with mixed emotions but always willing to support our troops.