Brian Schmidt

Ella Voltz
UWRT-1102-026
October 28, 2015
Journal 8: American Propaganda
The use of propaganda in warfare changes with every war and along with the civic duty.
The war on terror has become a huge disputed topic ever since the early 2000s. As an average
American there's no obligation to support the continuing effort in the Middle East, theres no
Uncle Sam. In 1942 once the U.S. became absolutely involved in World War II, American icon
Uncle Sam reminded voters of their obligation, to enlist in the military. Any anti-war protests or
efforts were muted and phased out by super patriotic and pure American figure Uncle Sam. In
contrast to todays war efforts, Uncle Sam created a civic duty as an American citizen to united
and fight against the common enemy.
What made Uncle Sam so appealing to the American people was his ethos, or
creditability. His red, white and blue suit with the American top hat screams America! The
demanding look he gives his viewers as he points at them is captivating. The American attire,
and older statue creates a way of subtle superiority. The added result of the stiff pointing of the
right index finger makes the poster more personal, as if Uncle Sam is staring and pointing into
the viewers soul. The stature and attire creates validity for a character, which can seem foreign
initially. The movement of Uncle Sam couldn't have been made possible without the moment of
kairos before the war effort. For the United States, the moment of kairos was the bombing of
Pearl Harbor. After that tragic event several million Americans changed their opinion on the war

that was raging on in Europe and led to millions to join the military. Without that key event
Uncle Sam would be simply another poster attempting to support a cause. However, it became
personal once citizens country was attacked. In that moment of crisis Uncle Sam became a
figure people could unite behind. The moment of kairos was the tipping point for several
uncertain citizens on the subject of the war overseas, Uncle Sam was not just another poster, it
was an icon.
The image of a crushed and battered Uncle Sam claiming I want out is one that's
usually used for the War on Terror. Its virtually the exact converse of the first Uncle Same photo.
Its purpose is the opposite. Within the original Uncle Sam photo the aim was to inspire
confidence and loyalty in viewers, claiming that he wanted YOU for the United States army.
During this variation, Uncle Sam Wants out. The contrary is sent. This poster is meant to relay
a way of guilt and sorrow. The pathos translates a way of sadness within the viewer. If the World
War II poster was supposed to invoke war effort action this is the converse. Uncle Sam remains
wearing super patriotic clothing, but he's battered and bruised. Hes extending his hand with a
bandage thereon showing that he has been hurt. War will usually be chalked up with glamourous
victories and country pride, but this makes it rather more real. Uncle Sam is usually viewed as a
war model and seeing him torn and defeated is disheartening. This is often a shot to spark action,
but to not be part of the war however to finish the war. All the cuts and bruises to Uncle Sam is
meant to create the viewer need for the War on Terror to finish.
These two posters with opposite effects are for wars that are separated by sixty years. In
conjunction with the modified style of war citizens deception of war has modified. Whereas
it's still a obligation to support the individual troops, it's not a obligation to support the war itself.

In warfare II, it absolutely was a united effort, it absolutely was the obligation of a subject of the
u. s. to support the country in its war efforts. With the War on Terror currently, voters still
support the bravery of the individuals WHO risk their lives, but they not should support the
governments actions to try to suppress act of terrorism by declaring war on Middle Eastern
countries. Politicians overtly speak out against the war declaring that we have a tendency to
should bring our troops home. Thats a problem which will be debated endlessly, but the
obligation has modified from supporting a war effort within the 1940s thereto being a citizens
duty to create a well-read opinion on the continuing War on Terror.
Uncle Sam is one among the foremost famed forms of propaganda in World War II. He
was designed to assist recruit young men into the military and he represented strength and
loyalty. He was a non-existent figure that voters may unite behind in a very time of crisis.
However, the fashionable day Uncle Sam poster of wanting out shows the opposite is true
currently. In the 1940s the image of Uncle Sam would rally crowds of men and women who
wanted to help a world in turmoil. During Americas great struggle, this figure was a positive
form of propaganda who could lead men marching into battle with an objective. No he has turn
to an object that has become tired of a constant fight that has no end. Uncle Sam should be an
American icon, he not is an icon to win over individuals to enlist within the army. He might have
wished YOU for the army but he currently wants out.