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

These aren't all from the same artist, but most are from the same publication, Krokodil, a satirical journal that was known for biting commentary on both domestic and international issues. There is a great book out on Krokodil's cartoons by John Etty

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

A propaganda tactic that's still used today, mainly by Russia and China whenever something happens in the US. For example the BLM riots last year. Also Fox and most Republicans' "what about Dems?" tactic to shift the focus...

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

Again, valid point. And yet, how did the Russians deal with the "others" in their country?

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

I agree this is a powerful image which has truth in it but the Soviets were almost as bad and continue to be just as bad.

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CatWoman312
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This actually was truth. It’s not propaganda at all. No wonder they hated us

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

Meanwhile, USSR denied university access to children from annexed countries. Because they were possibly anti soviet

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

Nice try to shift the perspective from their own pus and worms.

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

Thank a demonrat! they started the kkk, jim crow laws, planned parenthood (with the purpose of stopping black reproduction)

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

Wow this is going to keep me up tonight. That’s a child and a rope. Nope! Just insane.

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

Interesting coming from one of the most racist countries on the planet.

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

This is PROPAGANDA, what part of that don't you understand? Just like the American "anti-communist" propaganda of that timeframe was hypocritical

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Sar-kei Scyence
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Russians also renowned for their equality and inclusivity. The pot calling the kettle black.

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

You do know that the Soviet Union was a multi-ethnic state in which all citizens, irregardless of nationality had equal rights and even had rights to things like education and education in their native languages right? With the exception of disenfranchisement based on economic status, which actually ended in 1936 with the adoption of the Stalin Constitution, citizens didn't face legal discrimination and certainly never because of race. There never was a Soviet Jim Crow for example. And again Soviet and Russian are not interchanageble

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Rickster
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2 years ago

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Who is upvoting all this anti-american crap? Move to Russia if you don't like the u.s.

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

This is an article about "propaganda posters", these Russian ones are excellent examples of propaganda.

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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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#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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