Today, the world faces tumultuous economic times, so perhaps it's both transporting, and even a bit hopeful, to take a look back at what things were like when life was really challenging-- at Christmastime during World War II.
A December 1942 copy of Popular Photography magazine is our time machine today-- giving us a glimpse into how professional photographers were communicating critical war-time issues to the public through imagery....
And how amateur photographers were being drawn in to assist the war effort in some very surprising ways.
We'll begin today with some of the wartime posters directed at everyday Americans. The magazine article was designed to give how-to tips for creating war poster photos with impact, but maybe visual impact isn't exactly a premium when you've already got a headline like this one...
"Take care!" the poster warns. "Idle hands work for Hitler!" You get the feeling that this guy has heard that just a few too many times lately from the doctors at the clinic... And his buddies at work... And the guys at the canteen... And that the next person who says this phrase to our poor fellow here is going to get a good left-handed biff in the snoot.
"I broke my arm fer Pete's sake!" he's saying. "It's not like Hitler's signed my cast, er nothin'!"
Of course, during this time period, any number of things also were said to work for Hitler. Pessimists worked for Hitler... Cooks who squandered their bacon grease worked for Hitler... Wearing nylons worked for Hitler... Even choreographers of dance routines worked for Hitler (oops! sorry-- that was much later, once Mel Brooks got a hold of 'em).
Now here below, we have the lead singer from Midnight Oil who shows that he can really put his back into it for the U.S. (even though he's Australian) when it comes to productivity...
Believe it or not, this very poster was the inspiration for Midnight Oil's "Beds are Burning" hit in the 80s. (Yes, he was already 65 when he had his big career surge. They just didn't talk about that in the VH1 Behind the Music special.)
But shoveling in an inferno was only one way of helping defeat Hitler. Did you know, good Americans could even change their driving styles to help U.S. troops?...
Yes, by taking it slow during that summer drive, you could save on valuable rubber that was more greatly needed overseas!
Only, our driver, Mr. Jones there, doesn't look very happy, does he? He's got an expression on his face like he's been trapped on this vacation roadtrip with the family for 18 hours... the smell of little kid vomit's been wafting from the back seat since hour two... and by gosh, they're going to get to Lake Winnapausakee if it kills them.
Of course, Mr. Jones does want to do his part...
Apparently if he doesn't do his part, heavy machinery will roll to his little white picket-fenced tract home. And that will be pretty hard to explain to the neighbors.
Hey, did you know farming was another great way to defeat the Nazis?
I imagine wife after wife was showing up at the U.S. Employment Office-- not hoping to sign her husband up for a farm job or anything-- but just looking for this guy.
By 1940s standards, this guy was pretty much Brad Pitt. He was good for morale.
"Mrs. Brown, he's an actor. An actor," explained the tired government employee for the umpteenth time. "No, he doesn't work for us. Go home. And please take Mrs. Simmons, Mrs. O'Leary and Mrs. Jefferson with you."
Of course, the government had other effective ways of making Americans comply with military need. One was by showing the magnitude of the problem...
But more effective was, well... good old-fashioned guilt...
Do you want the life of this innocent gunner on your hands because you didn't contribute all you could? Worse yet-- do you want to disappoint him? Well, of course not! So fork over those stockings lady, and stop driving so fast; you're giving Hitler fits of giggles with every selfish thing you do. And nobody wants a happy Hitler.
Here we see one strong, proud Welder-American doing what he can to help the U.S...
He's "Free Labor." Though it does kinda look like they've got him on some sort of electrical lead there, doesn't it?... Well, I'm sure he's mostly kinda free. Or as free as a man can be who can't run very fast in all that equipment and with a visor that undoubtedly keeps falling down.
Here we see "Men Working Together"...
(Not to be confused with Men at Work or the Village People...) The amusing part about these Men Working Together is that, well, pictures don't lie-- and these men never even met...
During the 1940s, even Santa Claus had a good bead on what was going on during the War...
This rather crabby-looking Santa Claus is showing you one of the best wartime gifts around--- a refurbished camera.
Santa also recommends you buy War Bonds. After all, the elves have gone to all that trouble making them. What are you waiting for?
And yet another ad echoes Santa's sentiments...
Promote Peace on Earth by getting everyone you love U.S. War Bonds and Stamps!... (Er, and also photography equipment.) But mostly War Bonds and Stamps!
And looking to send our troops that extra-special gift? Bauch and Lomb suggests you donate your binoculars to the cause...
Yes, tell your wife to stop using them to spy on what casserole Mrs. Stevens is making across the street. Instead, put 'em to good use by sending them to the U.S. Navy-- who will use them to spy on the Germans and see what they're making for dinner across the street.
Lastly, I thought you might enjoy seeing how actress Bette Davis got into the act...
Bette wants us to support the USO. She probably also wouldn't mind if we bought some War Bonds, but she's shy about asking.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this little journey back in time. The great thing about looking back at history is, no matter how bad it seems now, it never was really so swell then, either.
- If you missed Wednesday's Treasure Box post on Posies, Pyrex and Presents, you can check it out here.
Otherwise, I hope to see you this coming Wednesday! And in the meantime-- go easy on those tires, eh?
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