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Propaganda has been a powerful tool used throughout history. But how does it really work? And is it only used to trick people into believing certain things? When we hear about it, do we think only about past historic events or can we think of an example of seeing propaganda in today’s world? 

Propaganda can be spread through books, movies, images, and other sources that reach mass audiences. Its primary goal is to change people’s views and opinions. After important events that changed the world’s history, propaganda started to carry a rather negative connotation. But it can also be used to spread positive messages and embrace necessary changes.

Bored Panda has already covered the topic by presenting these propaganda posters about the COVID-19 crisis. The pictures depict very recent events, so it’s no trouble for people to understand what is the hidden meaning behind them. But what about some of the older propaganda images? Are we able to decipher those? 

A subreddit called PropagandaPosters with 415k members shares various posters and pamphlets that show how propaganda was spread during various periods of time. These images depict and help to understand some historical events better with their symbolic drawings, call-to-action messages, and well-portrayed stereotypes. Which one of these do you find the most influential? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: Reddit

#3

We Don’t Always March Straight, Swedish Armed Forces Gay Pride Poster, 2018

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#5

Anti-Vac Comic From The 1940s. Stupidity Is Timeless.

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Tobin Kern
Community Member
2 years ago

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Im not anti vaccine by any means but I feel the need to wait a few years to get the covid vaccine... too rushed for my comfort.

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SC
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ever heard of the nuremberg code ? At the end of WWII, nazis doctors were judged, found guilty and hanged because they had forced people to take experimental medications. In the 40's, the smallpox vaccine was tested since long ago and was no more experimental. That is not the case with the current COVID vaccines who are still under tests.

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Run Forest
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You'll rarely find common sense in this platform. Just whiny socialist. They're hilarious though.

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Neil Bidle
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except small pox is horrific, and the vaccine stopped it in it's tracks. Covid isn't anywhere near as bad, and the vaccine doesn't stop you getting it or spreading it. Also, the rich didn't get to ignore smallpox and carry on flying around the world while average people were kept under house arrest

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K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People don't know history they will repeat it. We need better education system obviously

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Tobin Kern
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2 years ago

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In all fairness, the polio vaccine killed over 40,000 people until they perfected it. I wouldn't want to repeat that portion of history.

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MuddyPuddles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

have you noticed that the only responses from those following the narrative are insults... because they are that brainwashed they have nothing of value to add so they try to undermine another person's belief. Quite pathetic behaviour really

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Rob Woodman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s not an anti vaccine comic. It’s making fun of anti vaxxers.

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Yara Balabanova
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Misinformation or disinformation? Big difference, I think the latter is also a big culprit in the case if vaccinations

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K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know why you're getting downvoted bc anti vaxxers are killing others as well as themselves by spreading deadly diseases even mumps

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Petra Christovová
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And another pro-vaxx nonsense at Bored Panda appears on 3 ... 2 ... 1 .....

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TheCanadianShark
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shut up, you were most likely vaccinated as a child, and yet you say vaccination is bad, hypocrisy is strong in you, idiot

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Candace Alagappan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it should be them walking over a breaking plank reading 'misinformation' falling into a pond labelled 'smallpox'

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Rob Woodman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are anti vaccination people marching lemming style off a cliff into an ocean of smallpox.

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First Name Last Name
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Federal government is knowingly and willingly placing American civilian lives in direct lethal peril by keeping our borders open during a pandemic. Either Covid is a dangerous health risk or it is not. If it is, close the borders. If it is not, drop all the talk of mandates and restrictions and let this virus do its worst and be done. Anything else is undeniably criminal.

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Tobin Kern
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2 years ago

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To be fair the smallpox vaccine did kill a decent amount of people (no perfect vaccine exists), but the Covid vaccine is already responsible for over 45,000 deaths. Just like back then, you need to decide what is best for you and be ok with that.

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K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a blatant lie. Only 6000 deaths have been reported in the US and 12,000 worldwide after people have gotten the vaccine and most were due to an allergy caused by the foodstuffs in the vaccine which is in every single vaccine we have. Stop spreading malicious disinformation

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#11

"The First Lesson" - Ussr, 1964.

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Mars Lander
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This artist hits it. Every. Time. No wonder they were our biggest enemy, we didn't want them blasting our truths like that.

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#15

"Evolution?" // Anti- Nuclear War Poster (1970s Ussr)

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't that an Einstein quote?: "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones"

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#18

“Rationing Means A Fair Share For All Of Us” - USA, 1940s

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Chrissy Neibarger
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't imagine the riots that would occur if this happened today. Too many selfish people now-a-days.

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#25

1900s, Anti-Feminist Poster.

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this one REALLY hasn't changed all that much. To this very day "Well you're just ugly and no man wants you!" is a line you hear all too often when a woman stands up for her rights. Or is outspoken in general, really. Because, y'know, being attractive to men is the be-all and end-all of a woman's existence. Sigh.

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#30

Hoarders, Panic Buyers, Shame On You! (Nazi Germany, 1942)

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Except for the part about the toilet paper, apparently. :p

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Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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