'I Am Public Opinion
"But, as wise as I am just, I will judge you by the material aid you give to the fighting men who are facing death that you may live and move and have your being in a world made safe."
With this being said, it seemed very clear to the people of the United States what all of this was about. This little poem was meant to show and push Americans toward spending more money towards the war effort and buying bonds. It goes on to make them (US Citizens) feel as if they are not doing their patriotic duty in buying bonds and supporting the war effort when, in this poem, it is stated as being said:
"But if you have the money to buy, and do not buy, I will make this No Man's Land for you!"
Clearly, all of this of this propoganda is saying that you are not defined as a citizen or country by the things you do and the compassion you show but by the money and dollars that you are willing to spend.
posted by DImondi at 4:33 PM
2 Comments:
I concur with Dimondi, unfortunately the second quote rings true with most Americans who see how the 'elite' class get ostrasized for any donation that they do, or don't make, towards war and relief efforts.
This was an appeal to a middle class audience from a middle class magazine. But appeals to buy war bonds were made to all classes. There were many appeals that called for volunteers and not just money, everyone was asked to contribute through donations, work and sacrifice. It was a war that attempted to bridge the gap between the classes in the interests of patriotic nationalism and the war effort. The working classes were expected to contribute their labor for war production.
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