Comparative analysis (OUGD401)

The image ‘The Uncle Sam Range’ is very striking party because of its bold colours and complex detail but also because of its offensive strong messages. The whole background of the image is in bold red, white and blue colours: even the curtains and wallpaper is in the pattern of an American flag. This shows how deeply patriotic high class America was in 1876 when the image was created. The strong patriotic theme continues in many ways, such as ‘Uncle Sam’ in the image has an eagle on his shoulder showing him as a strong figure in the family which is an attribute of a man's ‘American dream’ at this time. The woman is standing with a bowl of food, this shows the women's place in a family, she should not be the centre of attention or importance just a helpful part of the mans life (well this would be the view of men). You can see a black slave cooking in the corner of the image, this shows the extent of racism and how it played a part in American culture. The children in the image represent the south, the midwest and new England, showing them as children suggests America is much more powerful than them but is willing to look after them like innocent children that don't know any better. It shows ‘the world’ signing the bill for the meal, once again showing Americas power over everyone else and the way they see themselves as a much higher status and class than everyone else. There is also imagery of Ireland eating potatoes and China eating bugs, this suggests they are like animals and not as worthy if fine eating. The type in this image is bold and golden also suggesting money and power. The image is highly patriotic and reflective of high class male views in America at the time of the image. The offensive nature towards black people, women and other countries is in plain view and clearly not something they were ashamed of but something they thought of as glorious and could gloat about with imagery like this. The advert is aimed at middle class men, to reinforce the idea they should be the head of the family and earn the money, but they should be seen as a person of power and authority.

The second image is a propaganda poster from the first world war. This image was made years after the first image in 1915. The purpose being to persuade men to join the forces. The child is asking “Daddy, what did YOU do in the great war?”. The idea is it will encourage men to join the forces to make their children proud and be able to tell them stories of how brave and strong they were in the war. It gives men a feeling of guilt if they do not join as it provokes the idea you could be letting your children down if you do not join. It shows typical guilt tactics used in a lot of war propaganda at the time. The type in this image is script, suggesting that joining up is a nice thing to do, the feeling you get is quite calm. The symbols on the furnishings are symbolic of British patriarchy and pride it suggests your only worthy of these things if you do your bit and fight for your country.

Both images are targeted at men, suggesting stepping up for your country will give you a better life. Their both propaganda showing the ‘ideal’ life and serving the cause of the adverts good by making the men feel they have a duty to follow the posters orders. They have strong views about other cultures that seem offensive now but back then were appealing. They both have a lack of female figures which reinforces the idea men are the strong figures and women are just for cooking and cleaning, this is very reflective of women's roles at this time. The main difference between the two images is the approach each country takes. The Americans are very bold about it and use bright colours to show if you follow their ways you will be successful happy and rich. But the British are more subtle about their encouragement and try make the viewer feel guilty if they do not join up. They make men feel like they have a duty towards their families to do the right thing.