In the late 1930’s, propaganda was used by Hitler in his war campaign. A poster made by Hans Schweitzer effectively justifies the German’s justification of violences as righteous retribution. The caption translates to “The Jew: The inciter of war, the prolonger of war.” Depicted is a large face of a presumably Jewish person, characterized to look evil. His eyebrows are furrowed and each facial feature is exaggerated. He looks over the German congregation with a sneer. The poster appeals to the common German citizen. They are on the ground with fists pumped in unison, as to agree to fight in a war. Hitler uses this type of artwork to persuade the German citizens that the mass extermination of the Jewish population was acceptable. To back this idea, Hitler used scientific studies, such as the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin. Eugenics promoted the “survival of the fittest” concept and encouraged that the procreation of “inferior” people would benefit society. This example of art was used by Hitler to justify the violence he supported during the Edwardian time period. Violence here is immoral, not amoral. Hitler deliberately violated moral rules, rather than being amoral, which is when one has no morals. From the German citizen standpoint, the propaganda and intentions conveyed by Hitler was probably not immoral, but rather for the benefit of the country. This piece of art, and the many other propaganda posters of this time period, successfully justified violence righteous retribution during the Edwardian era in Germany.
P2 Team 5
Kaylee Anderson, Ben Hillman, Ben Lee, Kimberlin Low
We found your example particularly applicable to the synthesis question of whether or not violence can be rightfully justified as amoral rather than immoral. Without detracting from the content of your synthesis response, your length adequately addresses the question — especially your team's extensive research and concise, yet informative response. Overall, we felt your team did a really good job drawing parallels between propaganda in Germany and the portrayal of Hitler as immoral, not amoral. You also accurately distinguish between immoral and amoral which further benefits your example of how Germans were encouraged to view violence against jews as "righteous retribution."
ReplyDeleteTrent Kajikawa, Naomi Krieger, Daphne Liu, Wilson Muller
Wylie Period 6 Team 8