#6: Heroic Realism

In Chapter 14 the material begins to delve more into the aspects of pictorial modernism. The event of the World War II greatly affected the usage of posters as vital tools of graphic communication. Using simplified visual language that could send out a clear, convincing message to a largely unintelligent, fickle public was key. There are many forms of poster designs, but the one that caught my attention was the usage of "Heroic Realism". The style wasn't really expanded in the text (compared to stuff like the Plakatsil) so I thought it'd be a relatively interesting topic to research outside of the reading material.

"Heroic Realism" is an art motif that is generally used as a propaganda strategy. It is popularly and efficiently used by communist/socialist governments in order to control and sway the mentality of their people through emotional visual cues. During the Nazi regimen, Hitler delved away from the abstract poster work of the war and decided to imitate the more literal design style of The Allies' poster work. Hitler strived to appeal to a unintelligent mass of people, and succeeded in controlling their beliefs and mindsets largely through his speeches and manifestos, but also equally as important as through his commissioning of posters that contained elements of "heroic realism". He often portrayed the glorious, Aryan figure as an idol for all the German people to admire and remind them about the goal of the Nazi ideology. Heroic figures, such as celebrities or war heroes, are often idolized and can easily control people's actions. The Nazis purposely created posters that demonstrated strength and honor in a perfect "hero" who's bravery could be best acknowledged through service for his government and self-sacrifice. "Classic" figures that promoted strength and honor united a nationalistic morale amongst the German people.

Similarly to the Nazis, the Americans, British, and other Ally members also used heroic realism to inspire people to join the war. The most popular historical piece could be considered to be the Uncle Sam poster that points at the viewer and convinces them that joining the army is the dignified and right choice to take.

The poster is bursting with nationalistic pride and was extremely successful in convincing many young American men into being recruited into the U.S. Army. It boosted the national morale of the people and inspired them to be more involved in the war. This poster especially reminds me of the Captain America Movie, where Captain America as a young lad sees this exact poster and is immediately motivated to join the army even though he is weak and frail. His desire to be "heroic" is the poster's successful goal for its viewer. Heroic realism tricks people into feeling that glamorous sense of heroism and adrenaline to do something awe-inspiring for the country.

Heroic Realism is timeless; in this present age, aspects of it are still heavily used. For example, U.S. army commercials that showcase the galvanizing and benevolent acts of those in the army as "cool, proud, and adventurous" inspire many young people to join because they want to be respected, admired, and be apart of protecting the country as a "hero". It makes me wonder how easily we can be continued to be swayed by propaganda, and if it's morally ethical to use heroic realism to manipulate our minds, especially since in this era we are less ignorant and more educated about matters.

(Attached is an advertisement to join the Navy. It's really cool)

<http://webartacademy.com/fine-art-heroic-realism>
<http://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/designing-heroes>
<http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/visionary/mystic.htm>
<http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/business/media/11adco.html>
<http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm015.html>