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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

TheOther36 Report

#8

Dc Statehood Poster (2006)

TrueBirch Report

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

The whole point of Washington DC was for it to be the hub of government. It was never meant to be residential and its been blatantly clear for over 200 years what the limitations are.

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

I thought it was going to be about immigration. Did you know we still deport illegals after allowing them to serve in our military?

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

It is ridiculous! And yup, that happens. The term though is undocumented immigrant. No human is illegal. We don't even call murderers illegals. It's a term uniquely used to fearmonger against immigrants.

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

I understand the original intent of the Founders making the capitol not represented: as every elected representative lives there, at least while Congress is in session, that means that eventually the capitol would be the ONLY region represented in government (look at how the British Parliament at that time basically only represented London and the rest had to make do). But now given modern communication and travel resources, that needs to be reexamined.

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

dc was never meant to be a state - as declared in the US Constitution...but, since when do corrupt politicians care

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

Yeah DC wasn't built to be a voting district as everyone lived there temporarily while serving their country.

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

Yes, and the city streets were designed for horse-drawn vehicles -- hence the traffic circles. Doesn't work so well 200 years on.

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

This is really weird. In what other country do people living in the capital not get to vote?

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

If they choose to live there, they choose to live without representation in the same way that states do. Is anyone living there involuntarily?

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

Actually the residential areas can just be given back to Virginia and Maryland (from which they came in the first place) and those people would have representation and a vote. Only the Federal building area need remain in DC. This is too small of a population to add two more Senators and a Representative.

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

Size of population is irrelevant. DC's population is larger than Wyoming and Vermont. And it's Alaska only have about 10,000 more citizens.

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

Were they deliberately trying to be mean to Maryland firefighters?

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Daniel (ShadowDrakken)
Community Member
2 years ago

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No one is supposed to reside in D.C. in the first place. That's why there's no voting rights there. The fact that any residences even exist is the first problem.

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

So your solution is to relocate 705,000 people? That's ridiculous and not at all feasible. It's past time to grant D.C. residents voting rights.

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#11

"The First Lesson" - Ussr, 1964.

WillManhunter Report

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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.

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#15

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

ManOfReasonCC Report

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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

EssoEssex Report

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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.

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#25

1900s, Anti-Feminist Poster.

throughmethroughyou Report

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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)

ObjectiveMall Report

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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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