By Alyssa Nehring–John Fender, graphic design professor at Drake University, curated an exhibit showing a collection of World War II propaganda posters from the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Morningside is currently showing a smaller version of that exhibit called War of Words.
Fender presented his research and the exhibit Thursday, Sept. 15. “These posters serve as an outline to the social changes happening at the time,” he said.
He explained that the posters often exploited the emotions of the general public by selling the idea of patriotism. The goal of these posters was not to sell the war but rather to give information causing the general public to be willing to join in the war efforts.
However, as Fender said the posters were often untrusted and people felt manipulated. This is because “a lot of these posters often hid the harsh realities of war under pictures and slogans,” he explained.
The posters quickly changed after Pearl Harbor. The message quickly changed from selling patriotism to propaganda. For example, the poster included with this article was originally supposed to be printed with the slogan “It Takes Both Barrels” but after the bombing it was changed to have a more aggressive headline, “Give ‘em Both Barrels.”
That poster and many others and their stories can be seen in the Eppley Art Gallery from now until October 6, Monday through Saturday 12- 5.
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