Classroomtools.com - The Demon Saddam

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Propaganda Analysis Sheet

The Demon Saddam

What item are you analyzing? The Demon Saddam poster
The message you chose to work with is transmitted via (check off all applicable categories)

__X__	written language	_____	spoken language	_____	music	_____	other sound
__X__	image (photo, drawing, etc.)	__X__	color	_____	other visual	_____	other _______________________

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 _________________

Who authored the message?

unknown

At whom is it targeted?

English speaking supporters of a war against Iraq, and those sitting on the fence who might tip into the pro-war camp

Is it commercial or non-commercial?

non-commercial

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

People who won't fight Saddam are commies; avoid them and their position on the war.

Are there other propagandistic messages in this item?

Yes

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

Both

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

The author wants the viewer to believe that opponents of a war against Iraq are probably communists and traitors. S/he also wants them to do the patriotic and moral thing - support a war against this evil man.

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

Emotion

Describe how you think the manipulation works?

The text asserts (but provides no evidence) that the "LEFT" opposes the war, and that all war opponents are leftists. It further implies that "leftists" support Saddam, and therefore are as evil as he is depicted. To reinforce this point, the artist has painted the word LEFT in red. This subtly identifies war opponents as communists (commonly called Reds in the US) in many people's minds. This message was reinforced (and thereby gained validity) by constant repetition on television, in newspapers and magazines, and in political speech. When the US finally attacked Iraq, contrary messages (always fewer anyway) virtually disappeared from American media life. By default many people, uncritically, came to accept it as true.

Do you believe this item was successful propaganda?

Absolutely

What evidence supports your answer to the last question?

Arguments like this filled American airwaves, newspapers and political speech during the fall and winter of 2002-2003; and produced the domestic consensus that allowed the administration to go to war. (see poll results)

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