PROPAGANDA POSTERS: DESIGN AND POLITICAL MESSAGES

Propaganda is a persuasive and unconscious way that can permeate one’s psyche in order to mobilise individuals and use available tools ideological, economic or political in order to obtain results (Kluver, 1995). Propaganda was originally a religious term defined as an organisation for the propagation of a particular doctrine but according to Fellows (1959), around the First World War it began to be political rather than religious reflecting societal power shifting from the church to the state.

Propaganda designs, political in nature depict people, concepts and goals as ideal. Political parties come up with propaganda in the form of designs like posters to encourage their supporters to go along with their initiatives and plans. Posters are made of how doing something will benefit the nation and all. Designs are made in a way that is empowering and convincing to people to join in a way that is idealised.

According to a Propaganda and history article, propaganda is a form of communication and so is design. Graphic design art, illustrations and symbols are used to convey big ideas and concepts intended to support causes. From a pure design perspective, propaganda is thought-provoking to observe and study, even if the intentions behind the design deserve closer scrutiny.

Politicians need supporters and to have those they need to convince people to follow their idealisms. The ability to influence a lot of people is a skill. Propaganda posters have been used for decades to motivate, teach, and spur the public. Advertising can be a powerful tool to inform and persuade no matter what you try to sell. Propaganda posters from the 19th and 20th centuries addressed topics ranging from patriotism to healthcare to feminism.

Reviewed propaganda posters were made which identified a couple of used in conveying messages. How the design captivates, that is, the use of words and images.

1. Consensus– This is when a message being conveyed is something the majority are most likely to agree with especially in situations where a situation that is obtaining on the ground is one the majority don’t agree with and a circumstance comes in where consensus is used.

• Predilection– This occurs in a situation where you use an image of someone likeable or words said by someone that individuals are fond of. Someone whose opinions are widely agreed with.
• Consistent– People don’t like to change. The idea of change scares a lot of people and using a current status is what would work in encouraging people to go on with something.
• Authority– Public perception is always to listen to those in authority because they are right or they have more information and know exactly what they are talking about.
• Reciprocity– If someone does something for you it’s only natural you return the favour. Well, this is what most people think because that is what is said and expected. I give you food, buy you a bag of mealie meal and well, you vote for me says a politician.

Political messages are designed in a way that influences people to support a certain party. However, most don’t really put it in mind but to some extent it’s propaganda that is working only you don’t know it yet.