When discussing about World War II, one might think about Hitler, the axis powers, the allies, and the “winners” and “losers” of this global war. Rarely does one consider how propaganda played a crucial role during this significant movement. Specifically, one fails to recognize the blunt, racist propaganda that was exposed to civilians. This would be the last thing on one’s mine when discussing World War II but that is just it. Propaganda did play a massive role; however, it has been brushed to the side as simply an element of persuasion rather than an element of racism.
The truth is, propaganda has always been a huge part of persuasion with racial intent, yet it is rarely even discussed in the history books how it has evolved/changed as the course of events …show more content…
It played in fear of America attacking, in fear of losing, and in the persuasion, that they could/would be the winners of the war if each citizen helped in any way. This anti-American sentiment can be further explored through visual World War II propaganda. Often, Americans would be portrayed as idiotic and careless while the Japanese soldiers would be strong, highlighted with astonishing qualities, and smart when compared to the American idiot portrayed. This was all in an effort to dehumanize Americans while portraying pride in a Japanese nationalist mindset. “The media was making the Japanese feel as though they are superior to the United States.” Superior in tactics, ability, and in unity. This superior ideal Japan had in mind for its citizens can be explored in the animated film Momotaro’s Sea Eagles.
Momotaro, is a popular hero of Japanese folklore dating as back to the Edo period. The Momotaro’s Sea Eagles, is, “[a] mix [of] cute animal characters with images of aerial warfare to represent the Japanese as all-powerful conquerors” (Zipes). More specifically, the film is a dramatization of the attack on Pearl
The truth is, propaganda has always been a huge part of persuasion with racial intent, yet it is rarely even discussed in the history books how it has evolved/changed as the course of events …show more content…
It played in fear of America attacking, in fear of losing, and in the persuasion, that they could/would be the winners of the war if each citizen helped in any way. This anti-American sentiment can be further explored through visual World War II propaganda. Often, Americans would be portrayed as idiotic and careless while the Japanese soldiers would be strong, highlighted with astonishing qualities, and smart when compared to the American idiot portrayed. This was all in an effort to dehumanize Americans while portraying pride in a Japanese nationalist mindset. “The media was making the Japanese feel as though they are superior to the United States.” Superior in tactics, ability, and in unity. This superior ideal Japan had in mind for its citizens can be explored in the animated film Momotaro’s Sea Eagles.
Momotaro, is a popular hero of Japanese folklore dating as back to the Edo period. The Momotaro’s Sea Eagles, is, “[a] mix [of] cute animal characters with images of aerial warfare to represent the Japanese as all-powerful conquerors” (Zipes). More specifically, the film is a dramatization of the attack on Pearl