Propaganda & Mass Persuasion: The Role of Advertising During War

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Role of Advertising During War

Opportunity! By W. J. Weir 1942

In W. J. Weir's Opportunity!, he describe ed the importance of advertising especially during war time. According to Weir, there are many uses for war and he believed that advertising could be used to help win the war. Winning the war would help boost people's belief in the American dream. At that time the most important thing was winning the war. Weir felt that advertising was as important as all the raw materials that are used during war time.

"Advertising has become a skilled worker out of a job. Oh, certain jobs
have been created for him, jobs to help keep himself fed, to give him something
to do. They're called "institutional" jobs."

Although Weir saw how important advertising was, he felt as though it wasn't being taken advantage of as it should have been. Weir explains that if anything the country can sell victory. This would boost the spirits of the society.

1 Comments:

Blogger A. Mattson said...

Some thought advertising unnecessary during a war when there was little to sell. Weir saw an 'opportunity' for patriotic service but also for the industyr itself. Selling the American dream, presenting advertisers and advertising as an important public service was good for the image of advertising itself. Weir's emphasis on the patriotic role of advertising was good PR for the industry as well a great means of moblizing the population.

3/19/2009 6:57 PM  

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