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Propaganda in the Classroom
Propaganda Analysis Sheet

Analyzing Uncle Sam

  1. What item are you analyzing? James Montgomery Flagg's I Want You poster
  2. The message you chose to work with is transmitted via (check off all applicable categories)
_____ written language _____ spoken language _____ music _____ other sound
__X__ image (photo, drawing, etc.) _____ color _____ other visual _____ other _______________________
  1. The medium used to transmit the message is (check off the type that applies)
_____ book _____ magazine _____ newspaper _____ mail or e-mail __X__ billboard or poster
_____ TV _____ radio _____ film _____ CD, audiotape, etc. _____ other _________________
  1. Who authored the message?

James Montgomery Flagg

  1. At whom is it targeted?

American men of military age

  1. Is it commercial or non-commercial?

non-commercial

  1. In one clear, brief sentence, summarize the message with which you've decided to work.

Enlist and help your country.

  1. Are there other propagandistic messages in this item?

Yes

  1. Is the author attempting to elicit a behavior or a belief?

Behavior

  1. Clearly state the behavior or belief the author wants from the target.

Flagg wants men to enlist in the Army.

  1. Does the message attempt to manipulate with emotion, reason or both?

Emotion

  1. Describe how you think the manipulation works?

A stern father-figure elicits a desire to obey, and shame if one doesn't.

  1. Do you believe this item was successful propaganda?

Absolutely

  1. What evidence supports your answer to the last question?

The image is still in use today, and has been since it was first drawn in 1917.

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original web posting: Saturday, November 17, 2001
last modified: Thursday, December 09, 2004