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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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#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
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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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#20

Pro-Child Labor Poster ~1915

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

I think people are missing the point on this one. I think it's against child labor. Every child should learn a trade, the word "deaden" is shown on a coal mine pic. "If it merely makes money" is shown on kids in sweat shops. "Grinding the seed corn" means don't grind down what will be raised as the next generation.

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

This is anti child labor though. It says they should be laboring in schools, not factories etc. Don’t any of you people know how to read?

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

Yes, read and understand the concept of "laboring to better oneself" vs "laboring for the profit of others" as in the coal mine image. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour

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

Sad thing is...I know people who would agree with this. We've really gone down the toilet.

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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
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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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