1. WORLD WAR II POLITICAL CARTOONS & PROPAGANDA BY DR. SEUSS
Mrs. Bailey
Spring 2006

2. Propaganda Defined
“Propaganda is a set of methods employed by an organized group that wants to bring about the active or passive participation in its actions of a mass of individuals, psychologically unified through psychological manipulations and incorporated in an organization.”
– Jacques Ellul, Propaganda (1965), p. 61

3. Propaganda Defined
“Propaganda is the deliberate and systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to receive a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.”
- Garth Jowett & Victoria O’Donnell, Propaganda and Persuasion(1992), p. 9

4. Devices of Propaganda
Name Calling – negative label association/avoid using evidence
Glittering Generality – positive label association/avoid using evidence
Transfer – symbols/imagery used to strengthen acceptance
Testimonial – citing individuals not qualified to make claims being made
Plain Folks – ideas good since they are “of the people” or “plain folks”
Fear – heightening/exploiting/arousing fear to gain support
Band Wagon – “everyone else is doing it” argument

5. Dr. Seuss Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991) Yes, The Cat in the Hat Guy!
/Chief Editorial Cartoonist for the New York newspaper PM ( )
Drew over 400 editorial/political cartoons
War bonds "cartoons" appeared in many newspapers and in PM.
Haunted by the war - produced the drawings

6. What do these say about Isolationism?
May 15, 1941
October 1, 1941

7. December 5, 1941 Identify propaganda items.
What is the point?

8. This political cartoon was published on 12-8-41.
What statement is it making?
Who is “he”?

9. After Pearl Harbor How are the Germans and Japanese depicted?
What words are used and why?

10. Support the War Effort!

11. What feelings is this intended to illicit?

12. January 1, 1942

13. Describe themes seen in war effort ads. Which tactics are being used?

14. Depictions of the Japanese

15. American Convention on Human Rights, November 22, 1969
Article 13. Freedom of Thought and Expression, item 5:
“Any propaganda for war and any advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitute incitements to lawless violence or to any other similar illegal action against any person or group of persons on any grounds including those of race, color, religion, language, or national origin shall be considered as offenses punishable by law.”

16. Ethical Criteria for Persuasion
No false, fabricated, unsupported, misleading, distorted, or irrelevant evidence or reasoning to support arguments or claims.
Do not represent yourself as informed or as an “expert” on a subject when you are not.
Do not deceive by concealing your real purpose, self-interest, group, or position you represent.
Do not distort or hide undesirable features or consequences.
Do not pretend certainty, over-simplify complex situations, use emotional appeals which lack evidence or reasoning, or advocate for something you do not believe yourself.
Ethical Criteria for Persuasion adapted from Richard L. Johannesen, Ethics in Human Communication, 2nd ed., Waveland Press, 1983, pp and taken from my notes from Dr. Haapanen’s Spring 1995 Propaganda class handout. Eleven elements were listed on the handout and I have tried to summarize the overall intent/purpose of the guidelines.

17. Summary WWII brought new level of propaganda
Propaganda was used by all sides
Political cartoons can be a form of propaganda
Ask WHO? Says WHAT? and WITH WHAT INTENTION?
Learn to analyze information