The following postings are a transcript of students' responses to our unit on Art and the State. Before they began their multicultural study of the use of art as political propaganda, students completed the following assignment. Student postings have not been edited in any way.
The assignment:
Article No. 107: posted by Deborah Vess on Wed, Feb. 16, 2000, 15:31 Subject: Art as Propaganda IN this unit, we will be studying the use of art as propaganda for the state. We will look at China, Africa, and France. Think for a moment about the uses of art for propaganda in American culture. What examples can you think of?
Student postings:
Article No. 111: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 22 on Fri, Feb. 18, 2000, 11:14 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
In America, art as propaganda is most famously represented by the Uncle Sam picture for the armed services. Another example, would be the Bald Eagle. The eagle is on our money and anything that represents the United States as a whole. The flag has also been known as a symbol of the US. It represents the founding colonies.
Article No. 129: [Branch from no. 111] posted by student 19 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 23:06 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
The United States is probably the capital of propoganda. We use just about any object or person to sell ideas and emotions. The most common example I can think of would be political cartoons in newspapers and even on television. They capture an audience by using humor in serious situations. These cartoons try to get the attention of a large audience to sell ideas. Another example of art as propoganda is The Statue of Liberty in New York. It is most definitely the mascot of the United States. Everyone around the world can associate democracy and freedom with the statue of liberty. It is the first thing many foreigners see and hear about when coming to the states, and displays what great things our country stands for. The final example of art used as propoganda is the camel logo of Camel cigarettes. It is used to lure a younger audience to the use of tabacco. The bright colors and "cute" design appeals to adolesence. It sells the product. Many more things such as models, animals, and flashy cars can be used as propoganda. These days artists can turn just about anything into propoganda. It sells!
Article No. 119: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 1 on Mon, Feb. 21, 2000, 22:54 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
The number one thing I can think of for American propaganda would have to be the Statue of Liberty. I t stands for the freedom of everyone that enters and becomes a citizen of America. It, also, shows what this whole country stands for. Another art for propaganda, I think, is The Wall in Washington DC that stats all the people that died in the Vietnam War. I think this is a good one since it stands for all the lives lost for freedom and the fact that we, Americans, miss and respect them for dying for our country.Lastly, the mountain that has the faces of the late presidents on it (Mt. Rushmore?). That is purely art and shows what that we have respect for them, too.
Article No. 121: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 8 on Tue, Feb. 22, 2000, 01:07 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
In the US art as propoganda is used in serveral ways. First of all our country has patriotic colors of red, blue, and white. So most anything that represents the US is red, blue, and white(ie the Flag). Another example is the eagle that appears on the money in the US. A final example is the Statue of Liberty. That is probably the most obvious.
Article No. 122: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 9 on Tue, Feb. 22, 2000, 12:17 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
There are many uses of art as propaganda in the U.S. The Eagle on the quarter and Uncle Sam were some examples that were mentioned in class. But there are others. The Statue of Liberty is used in many commercials to represent our country as free and independant. Also the used of the faces of old presidents on money bills is propaganda. They put different faces of certain presidents on money. If you talk about George Washington, I only think of a dollar. But, some other presidents are associated with the 20 and 100 dollar bills
Article No. 124: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 20 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 18:07 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
I think in the United States there are many pieces of art that serve as propaganda. One example could be the Statue of Liberty, this piece of art represents freedom. Another example could be the eagle on money. The president's faces on Mt. Rushmore. The Star Spangled Banner and the colors on the American flag are all examples of art used as propaganda. I think when people see these images of art it helps them appreciate more of what they represent.
Article No. 125: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 7 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 18:32 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
When I think of propaganda used in the United States, many things come to mind. The American Flag represents everything that the United States stands for. It represents freedom and equality. Another symbol is The Statue of Liberty. Anyone coming into the country will see this statue and know that they are welcomed with open arms. This statue also stands for peace and equality. The bald eagle is another symbol of propaganda. The bald eagle is nationally known as the symbol of the United States. It is on the United States crest.
Article No. 127: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 3 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 19:46 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
Art is used in American society for advertisement. It is used on commercials and on bulletin boards to try to pursuade someone to buy something. Things that we do not think of as art could be considered art because it does have a purpose. Commercials and bulletin boards are forms of art to try to get someone to buy something.
Article No. 128: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 38 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 22:50 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
Examples of art used as propaganda in America would be all sorts of advertisement. The advertisements are trying to get you to purchase a good or a service. Commercials, newspaper and magazine ads, billboards, and all the little screens that pop up while you are on the internet are all examples of art used as propaganda. A specific example would be all the posters that have Uncle Sam trying to get you to be in the military
Article No. 130: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 15 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 23:36 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
When I think of the art in American culture that has been used as propaganda I think of the "Uncle Sam Wants You" poster and the staute of liberty. Other images that come to mind are all of the posters created in WWII to encourage women to work and support their country's war efforts. The most vivid poster in my mind is the one of the woman with her sleeve rolled up; she is flexing her arm muscles, and the caption reads "We Can Do It!" Another form of art is the written word, and one of the pieces of propaganda that has been written in this country is "Common Sense" by Thomas Pain. Music, another art form, was used commonly in the sixties. All of the protest music written against the Vietnam war could also be remembered as propaganda against something--namely the war. So we see that propaganda can take on many forms!
Article No. 132: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 27 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 13:06 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
American propaganda is everywhere. Some of the things that come to my mind, when thinking about american propaganda is Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, the Star Spangled Banner, and the fourth of july. These things are part of our american culture. They are everywhere from television, to bullentin boards, and even in our schools. These are what I think about when it comes to our american propaganda.
Article No. 134: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 26 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 15:07 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
When I think of art as propaganda in the United States, I think of all of the symbols that represent America. Examples of this are the Bald Eagle, Uncle Sam, and the American Flag. Some of these are even used for advertisement and every time someone sees these symbols, it reminds them of the United States
Article No. 136: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 14 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 15:14 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda þÿ
when I think of American propaganda I think of the songs this “Land is your Land”, “G-d bless America”, “My country tis of thee”, “Star Spangled Banner”, and “America the beautiful”. Another form of American propaganda would me the Statue of Liberty, the flag, and the Baldeagle. All of these items represent freedom, and they are all art.
Article No. 138: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 37 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 20:45 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
As Americans there are many art forms that are used as propaganda. I think that the major art form that everyone is familiar with is the Statue of Liberty. As many foreigners arrive in the U.S. the first thing that they want to see is the Statue of Liberty, because to them it represents the U.S. The Statue of Liberty also stands for freedom. The American Flag is another well known form of art as propaganda. The colors red, white,and blue these colors symbolize many things for Americans. The baldeagle represents the U.S. It can be found on our money and many advertisments. Out of all the many forms of art used as propaganda, these are the major things that come to my mind first.
Article No. 140: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 21 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 21:50 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
There are many forms of proaganda in the United States. One of the most famous figures of American Culture is the Statue of Libery. Located on Ellis Island in New York, it was erected there so foriegners coming into the United States will see it. Whenever anyone all over the world thinks of the Unites States, most think of the Statue of Libery and the freedom that it represents. Another example of propaganda technique used in art is the 'Uncle Sam' "I Want You" poster for the Armed Services. All over the nation, you will see the picture of 'Uncle Sam' pointing his finger with those three words over him, hoping to convince the young people of the nation to join the services. Another famous use of propaganda in America is the American Eagle. Noticed mostly as the Nation's bird, it is used on coin money and paper money. The baldeagle is a unique species and it is used in advertisements to represent the United States all over the world.
Article No. 142: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 18 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 21:52 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
Cheverolet advertisments use properganda by saying that cheverolet is "The Heartbeat of America" (since I am a serious chevrolet fan I do agree). They use this type of advertismnet to try and get the message across to the Americain public that if you want to be american you have to drive a chervrolet automoble. Another type of propaganda that comes to mind was the cartoons the Government used to get the country motivated for war in WWII. They used everything from the famous cartoon "Uncle Sam Wants You", which now has change to "Be All You Can Be", to the promotion of the war by famous actors and actresses. This type of advertisment is very popular and also very effective. Propaganda is found everyday and can be used to promote just about anything and be very effective.
Article No. 145: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 23 on Fri, Feb. 25, 2000, 03:55 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
The examples of art as a propaganda in American culture is the Statue of Liberty. This statue is the symbol of our freedom in America. Another example is the use of American colors red, white, and blue; which we use on our flag to represent our nation. The White House is another good example of what art as propaganda, the architexture of the building itself is known around the world. We also use our presidents heads on our money. The most recent craze is each state represented on a quarter.
Article No. 146: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 34 on Mon, Feb. 28, 2000, 09:18 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
The first example of art for propaganda in the American culture that I can think of is the Statue of Liberty. It stands for liberty and justice. I think the American flag would be another example of art as propaganda. The flag to me symbolizes freedom for the American people. The stars and stripes each symbolize something for the United States. Everybody probably has their own meaning of the flag. Liberty bell could be another example of art as propaganda.
Article No. 147: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 10 on Mon, Feb. 28, 2000, 13:41 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
So often now days art is used as propaganda. Art is used as propaganda to try to gain the attention of and attract the general public. Clothing logos, product desings, company symbols, and so many other types of art are used to try to get the public to favor a certain product or service. Some examples of this may be: Cheverolet which has thier well known "Bowtie", Camel cigarettes use the "Smokin Joe Camel", Coca-Cola and Pepsi products use flashy designed cans and the U.S. even uses "Uncle Sam" to try to get people to join the service. Art can be used in many wasys and these are just some of the many ways it is used as propaganda.
Article No. 148: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 28 on Mon, Feb. 28, 2000, 16:24 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
when i think of art as American propaganda i think of the old statues of our countrys soldiers, old battle sites (savanah), and many other historical elements that make up the history of our culture. Many people look at these things for an example of what our country stands for. Places like Arlington National Cemetary and Veterans day are good examples of american art as propaganda because it shows the loyalty and meaning of our country to its citizens
Article No. 149: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 25 on Tue, Feb. 29, 2000, 22:34 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
I can think of many examples of art used as propaganda in America. The best one I can think of is the old army draft ads featuring uncle sam. This ad was used to try to influence americans to fight for their country during the wars. The ad wanted you to be proud of your country, and fight for the freedom you believe in. Another example is the statue of liberty. This statue represents americas "open arms" to people from other nations. Another example would be the cigarette ads posted all over the place claiming that if you want to be cool, all you have to do is pick up a cigarette. I guess Americans are just easlly influenced!
Article No. 151: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 2 on Thu, Mar. 2, 2000, 11:27 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
When I think of art as propaganda I think of the national anthem. The music represents freedom and independence. I also think of the american flag. The colors of the american flag, red, white, and blue, all represent something different about our country. The state capital building is also considered art as propaganda. This massive building represents the heart and power of the United States. There are many different things that can represent art as propaganda. Within the United States these art forms mostly represent our freedom and independence.
Article No. 154: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 39 on Mon, Mar. 6, 2000, 21:16 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
Propaganda is something that is seen everyday in America. Political cartoons are probably the greatest source of propaganda. The picture of Uncle Sam pointing at whoever stands in front of the poster is the one that stands out most in my mind. Two others are the donkey and the elephant that represent the Democratic and the Republican parties. The bald eagle is also a very well known American symbol displaying propaganda.
Article No. 155: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 24 on Mon, Mar. 6, 2000, 23:53 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
Art is used in a variety of ways in our American culture. It is used a lot in advertising, especially commercials. Two commercials in specific come to mind when I think of propaganda. One commercial shows someone painting on a canvas a farmer planting seeds in the earth. This was to send the message out that everyone should give back to nature. Another commercial shows the painting The Scream with a new car driving through it. This was a way to advertise the new Pontiac Sunfire. These are just a few ways that art is used for propaganda in American culture.
Article No. 156: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 13 on Tue, Mar. 7, 2000, 00:12 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
The United States constantly uses art in propoganda. It all goes back to the first discussion of "What is Art?" If a person considers cartoons art then we use that often. Another question is if computer images are considered art because that is what most propoganda is made of today. Yet another aspect of art as propoganda is the music used to attract attention. For example, in the commercial for the Volkswagen Jetta, they use a beat (which can be art) to draw your attention. That can make people remember the car if they hear the song. There many ways art is used in propoganda in America.
Article No. 157: [Branch from no. 107] posted by student 31 on Tue, Mar. 14, 2000, 09:52 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
Propoganda in the United States is mostly used for commercials and advertising. American Culture has turned propaganda into a way of life. The chick-fil-A cows on billboards are a use of propoganda to persuade people not to eat beef, but to eat ckicken. The propoganda can be humorous as in the past example or it can be serious, such as drug awareness advertisements. There are so many examples of propoganda that often times they go unnoticed. Beer billboards are also a type of propoganda which use frogs to promote the product, and this type of advertising/propoganda has been criticized due to the appeal it has for young children.
Article No. 131: posted by student 30 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 12:45 Subject: propaganda
I think that some examples of propaganda in American culture is our holidays, and how we celebrate. Like the Fourth of July and Presidents day. If that is "American propaganda". Then you have advertisements to go places and buy things, but our culture puts alot on famous inventors, presidents and peace makers. We have Fourth of July sales, President's Day sales, Memorial Day too. So our holidays are what our years are centered around. The American culture is used to make people celebrate, go places, buy things, and to remember. Remember our heritage, culture, and that we live in America.
Article No. 133: posted by student 36 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 14:35 Subject: Art as Propaganda
When people think of America they obviously think of our national colors: Red, white, and blue. These three patriotic colors are associated with a lot of propaganda in things such as the American Flag and Uncle Sam (his red, white, and blue hat). While she doesn't show red, white and blue, the Statute of Liberty is also another great example. In her posting Leigh Hamilton mentions the Camel, although not related patriotically to the United States, the Camel is American and is used to sell. In America anything will be used in advertising if it sells--that's propaganda in America!
Article No. 135: posted by student 35 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 15:07 Subject: Atr and the State
The most important propaganda I can think of would be the American Flag, because it represents our country as united states. It represents each state united together under on constitution and nation. The American Flag is a very important propaganda to the United States.
Article No. 137: posted by student 4 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 17:17 Subject: propaganda
The united states consists of many artworks that are considered propaganda. The first example that is the most obvious is the statue of liberty. This enormous piece of art is the main symbol of freedom for our country. It also symbolizes good will and friendship to the french. Another good example of propaganda in the form of art is the american flag. This piece of art has thirteen stripes representing the thirteen original colonies and fifty stars which represents the fifty states in the u.s. There are many other representations of propaganda in the form of art such as the star spangled banner, the pledge of allegiance, and uncle sam.
Article No. 141: posted by student 11 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 21:51 Subject: Art as Propaganda
Everywhere you look or everywhere you go you can find some type of art used as propaganda. One of the major things that I can think of when I think of propaganda is the American Flag. You can find an american flag just about anywhere you go from scools to baseball fields. They remind us of the freedom and of all the opportunities that we are given because we live in The United states of America. Another example of propaganda is the free stuff that you get in cereal boxes. You can get toys or some type of clothing by sending in some proofs of purchases. Other examples of art being used as propaganda are the catchy ads in magazines, flashy sports cars, the neon clear computers, and cigarette companies also use propaganda to sell their products.
Article No. 143: posted by student 6 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 21:59 Subject: Propaganda
Propaganda is an effort to gain the public support of an opinion or idea. Propaganda can be considered art because of its ability to serve a purpose or function. Propaganda used in America would be the use of cartoons to sell cereal. The producers of the products know that mostly children will be the consumers of their goods, so they use cartoons in their advertising. For example, Lucky Charms and Fruitloops use cartoons,which is considered art, as propaganda. Another example of propaganda is the designs on the front of any product out in the food industries. The pictures of their products are so brillantly designed they catch the eye of the customers, and gain their support of the product. So, cartoons in the cereal industry and designs on the front of products in the food industry can be considered propaganda in America.
Article No. 144: posted by student 5 on Thu, Feb. 24, 2000, 22:24 Subject: Propaganda
Propaganda is anything that is used to gain the attention and support of the public. An example of propaganda in America is the use of mascots for sports teams. Mascots are used to symbolize a team and to gain the support of the fans. The University of Georgia uses the bulldog dressed in red and black colors to represent any sport affiliated with the school. Another example of propaganda in America is the use of certain logos on the various lines of clothing available. These logos represent certain clothing companies. They also grab the attention of the consumer. Ralph Lauren's Polo uses a figure of a man riding a horse and Nike uses the swoosh symbol to represent their brands of clothing, respectively.
Article No. 152: posted by student 33 on Thu, Mar. 2, 2000, 11:27 Subject: art as propaganda
When I think of propaganda used in the united states I think of all the advertisements used to compel people to served in the armed forces. I think of the statue of liberty as a symbol of our pride in our country. I think of all the posters that say "Uncle Sam wants you" or the marine's motto "A Few Good Men." America has used this propaganda to say that if you want to do what is right or if you have what it takes then you will obviously serve your country. Look at the way the American flag has been used and the many ways we institute red, white, and blue in all the advertisements we use.
Article No. 153: posted by student 29 on Thu, Mar. 2, 2000, 11:35 Subject: Art as Propoganda
Art is used as propoganda in the United States in many ways. We have all types of art that represent what the United States stands for. For example, the US is known as the home of the free and we have the Statue of Liberty to show just how much freedom plays a role in the life of America. Another example is the US flag. It is a universal symbol and is viewed all around the world as a symbol of how America was brought together from the 13 colonies to the the 50 states. The flag shows how every state lives in harmony and we stick together as a whole country. There are a variety of different arts that are used as propoganda of the US, but the main pieces are known world wide and are known as a symbol of what the US is all about.
Article No. 123: posted by student 17 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 11:50 Subject: Art as Propaganda
Propaganda is a systematic effort to spread opinions or beliefs. When I think of propaganda in the state I think of the flag and its colors(red, white, and blue). I also think of money, the U.S.Constitution, Uncle Sam, and The Star Spangle Banner. I also think of our capital. The comic section in the newspaper that has an underlying meaning about the government or political parties. Posters and other commercials used to influence who the voters will vote for. These are a few examles of how our country uses art as a propaganda.
Article No. 126: [Branch from no. 123] posted by student 2 on Wed, Feb. 23, 2000, 18:47 Subject: re: Art as Propaganda
I believe that art used as propaganda in the United States would include the Star Spangled Banner. This musical art form represents the freedom of the United States. The State Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial are buildings which serve as great propaganda for the United States and could be considered works of art. Another form of art would include the state flag. This form represents the state's freedom and independence.
Explorations in Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning Home Page