ADVERTISEMENT

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

TheOther36 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

"The First Lesson" - Ussr, 1964.

WillManhunter Report

Add photo comments
POST
marsloverts avatar
Mars Lander
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

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

ManOfReasonCC Report

Add photo comments
POST
saragregory0508 avatar
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"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

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

EssoEssex Report

Add photo comments
POST
chrissy_neibarger avatar
Chrissy Neibarger
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

"Don't Throw Stones", Iraq, 2004

buzzkill_chad Report

Add photo comments
POST
seidelme avatar
Michael Se
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't invade countries and then you won't be put in the position of needing to tell the difference.

fracarr avatar
François Carré
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you, in the first place, put yourself in a situation where you occupy a foreign country and screw it over so much that people rightfully hate you and you get to prevent CHILDREN from throwing GRENADES at your forces ? Ask G.W. Bush and D**k Cheney.

sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An American ship avoided being sunk during WWII by the Japanese bc the sailors on board started throwing potatoes at the Japanese. Since the Japanese couldn’t tell if they were grenades they withdrew and the Americans were able to sink the Japanese ship. So this is sound advice. Soldiers don’t want to kill civilians

blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is that they are quite happy to accept that a child could be throwing a grenade. The focus needs to be be on preventing children from getting involved is adult conflicts.

the_mysterious_lady_analyn avatar
Analyn Lahr
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

That's so sad. Why are some people so damn trigger happy?

r_searle avatar
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, and guns. In Iraq, children as young as 9 years have been prosecuted for links to IS. http://www.qil-qdi.org/children-associated-with-terrorist-groups-in-the-context-of-the-legal-framework-for-child-soldiers/

Load More Replies...
walterssaginaw avatar
Valley Girl
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

We should print these at home for brown children.

hasilefisile avatar
ProfessionalTimeWaster
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Don't hide your protests behind your kids and bring them into danger zone.

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

People didn't necessarily bring their kids to the danger zone...the leaders brought the danger zone to the kids

Load More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

1900s, Anti-Feminist Poster.

throughmethroughyou Report

Add photo comments
POST
the_true_opifex avatar
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

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

ObjectiveMall Report

Add photo comments
POST
the_true_opifex avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda