Classroomtools.com - Osama Wants You

Lesson Ideas
Main Events
Propaganda in the Classroom
Propaganda Analysis Sheet

Osama Wants You

What item are you analyzing? The Osama Wants You 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.)	_____	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?

Americans who might be open to anti-war arguments

Is it commercial or non-commercial?

non-commercial

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

Invading Iraq will inflame sentiment in the Arab world, creating more anti-American terrorism.

Are there other propagandistic messages in this item?

Yes

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

Behavior

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

The author wants the viewer to oppose war against Iraq, and probably to take action (march, write letters, talk to friends, etc.) against it.

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

Both

Describe how you think the manipulation works?

Substituting Osama bin Laden for Uncle Sam in James Montgomery Flagg's famous poster, plants the idea that support of the war might actually bring about the terrorism the government claims it will defeat.

Do you believe this item was successful propaganda?

Possibly

What evidence supports your answer to the last question?

Even though anti-war sentiment was nearly closed out of the media after the US attacked Iraq in March 2003, arguments like this led to a vigorous and growing anti-war movement in the weeks and months leading up to the attack. However, arguments such as the one presented in this poster attempt to stimulate thought and reason, and lack the visceral impact of those in The Demon Saddam poster.

return to the Propaganda Analysis Sheet page
return to the Iraq War Propaganda page
return to the Propaganda in the Classroom page