Visual Culture and Communication - Coursework Example

IMAGE, POWER, POLITICS Introduction Images can be manipulative; they have a certain power on human minds that it restricts it to think in a particular way. The contemporary democratic politics are usually described as ‘image politics’, in which the style and posture matters more than the content of the message. People and electorates have become the puppets in the face of political images. Whereas in the cases of Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany such image politics have been considered as misleading and an indication of compulsive political forms. These images are often viewed as pathologies of democratic policies that should be removed from the society. Yet, it is the image politics that can make or break the electorates, which is a reason why nowadays the political leaders heavily invest and rely upon the political campaign posters. Since people’s attention is grabbed more by the visual effects than any other technology, it is their first attempt to persuade the people to vote in their favor. This paper sets out how the poster of Uncle Sam became the most popular in the history of America and how it became a symbol of America. The paper also discusses the influences of this symbol on the American culture. (Simons 2006) The cultural and visual theorist Tom Mitchell notes that: It is a commonplace of modern cultural criticism that images have a power in our world undreamed of by the ancient idolaters... images are now regarded as the sort of sign that presents a deceptive appearance of naturalness and transparence concealing ... a process of ideological mystification. (Simons, 2006, p. 2) Who or What Is Uncle Sam? "Uncle Sam," has been for many years considered as the symbol of American government. It embodies the government in a different way: the fatherly, dominating, the spirited Uncle Sam. But why did people need to personify the American government? Why Uncle Sam was perceived to be the character of American government? Where this symbol came from? Origins of Uncle Sam There are numerous versions to the story of the origin of Uncle Sam. But the most concrete one, confirmed by Congress in 1961, claims it to be published back in 1812, during the First World War. Samuel Wilson was a citizen of a town called Massachusetts. He used to run a meat packing and distribution business, and was locally known as “Uncle” Sam. During the First World War, he used to supply boxes of meat to the U.S army, and so he became known as the “Uncle Sam” who supplied the soldiers of U.S with food. Eventually, he became a symbol of patriotism for U.S.; a man who helped his country in the time of need. (Wise 2013) As years passed the stories about this legend grew in intensity, the symbol developed to reflect the prevailing times. The image of Uncle Sam was inspired by Samuel Wilson; however it bore little resemblance to him. The image was of a very aged man who was dressed in patriotic attire. When Abraham Lincoln came to power, Uncle Sam and his “nephew” Yankee Doodle, known as the symbol of the “Revolutionary War”, changed their original meaning and took on a new image as patriotic symbol of the North. (Wise 2013) Now, Uncle Sam looked more like Abraham Lincoln and had a beard like his along with his signature top hat. Uncle Sam made a debut in cartoon during the Civil War, the American cartoonist Thomas Nast warmly accepted this image and reserved a place for it in the political cartoons. It was because of his contribution that Uncle Sam succeeded in securing a place into the minds of the American people and became a widely accepted symbol in the American culture. Uncle Sam as a Recruiter Symbol The image of Uncle Sam dates back to the War of 1812, but the most popular iconic poster “I want YOU!” was created by Montgomery Flagg. He used the image as a recruiting tool for the World War II. The message demanded for the citizens and patriots of American Nation to fight for their country. It was more toward an order rather than a persuasion, as it could be felt from the aggressiveness of the message. The man in the poster looked very aged, wearing red white and blue top hat and the suit that points directly at the viewers. The body language was somewhat demanding and dominating, his pointing finger almost accusing the viewers and asking a very serious question, “How could you not fight for your country” ( Campbell 2010) The reason for this massive success of the poster was its individualized approach. Rather than saying, “I want some young men” or “I want to recruit” the message was abrupt and was targeted directly to the viewers. The figure in the poster is looking right at the viewers it singles them out with his pointing finger, hence the message was personalized and has a greater impact. Its impact is somewhat intimidating but ironically inspiring as well. The poster was a huge success and worked tremendously during that time-World War II. The idea was a unifying agent, the United States was united more than ever, patriotism was overflowing, and it was more pro-military than it ever was. The idea depicted as a message addressing directly to an individual; an individual who in the face of turmoil could help his country and make a difference in a worldwide war inspired by patriotic pride. It is difficult to wriggle out from under the nose of Uncle Sam and his accusing finger at you. (Campbell 2010) Uncle Sam in Political Cartoons and Parodies During 1960s and 70s the new generation was seen to be rebelling against their parents’ generation, the emotions and sentiments surfaced with the Vietnam War’s anti war and anti-patriotism messages. All this brought a change in the image of Uncle Sam, which changed from “I want YOU!” poster, once a representation of patriotism and courage, to a more cynical and resentful message. The perceived image of “Uncle Sam” has now changed from a fatherly figure to a more dominating and pompous one. The influences of the current political climate, the economic downturn and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, were being felt to the extent that now the concept of patriotism was out of fashion. (Wise 2013) The classic American symbol of “Uncle Sam” was now being endlessly exploited by the political cartoons. It was largely harnessed on Internet along with a blend of playful amusement and serious resentment. This once widely appreciate figure was now used in parodies, parodies that often imitated the iconic WWII poster with taunting slogans like “I want YOUR taxes” and “I want YOU to pull my finger!” Uncle Sam Today Regardless of all these resentful activities, Uncle Sam continued to be considered as the symbol of patriotism and American government. Even today in the 4th of July parades men are seen wearing the same attires as Uncle Sam around the country. The 1976 children’s novel “ The Westing Game” presents a character called Sam Westing, an immigrant turned millionaire who dresses himself just like Uncle Sam and arranges lavish 4th of July parties. Conclusion The concept of patriotism has gone through many interventions and is now considered more cynical than it was in the 20th century. Despite all that “Uncle Sam” is till date known as a symbol of patriotism. In some ways, he is regarded as the symbol of idealism that has been lost, or a patriotic identity that the American nation is struggling to acquire. Whichever way he is regarded, Uncle Sam’s message to stand up and make a difference is of more significance now then it was in 1812. Works Cited Simons.J. (2006). THE POWER OF POLITICAL IMAGES. Department of Communication and Culture Indiana University, Bloomington. Retrieved from: http://www.academia.edu/1561356/THE_POWER_OF_POLITICAL_IMAGES Wise. Laura. (February 23rd, 2013). History and Meaning Behind Uncle Sam, the Symbol of America. Retrieved From: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/history-homework-help/122849-origins-of-uncle-sam/ University of Virginia American Studies. "Forgotten Origins: Uncle Sam." Retrieved From: http://xroads.virginia.edu/~cap/sam/sam.htm. Campbell. M. (November 23, 2010). Uncle Sam Wants You: A Content Analysis of Patriotic Symbolism in Military Recruitment Posters. Retrieved from: https://www.saintmarys.edu/files/meg%20campbell_0.pdf Poster Analysis-Word Press.com. (2013). Retrieved from: http://egscovelsp13.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/war-posters1.pdf Read More