Propaganda in the Modern Era

EXHIBIT A: CALL OF DUTY

Did you know that Call of Duty, one of the world's most popular video game franchises, with millions of players worldwide, has also been used as a tool for military recruitment? This connection between entertainment and the armed forces isn't new. In fact, the United States government has been leveraging video games to draw in potential recruits since as early as 2002.

The most direct example of this is the release of America's Army, a first-person shooter game that was created in collaboration with the U.S. Army and SEGA, the most popular game company at the time. Unlike other video games, America's Army was designed specifically as a recruitment tool, offering a glorified and exciting action-packed portrayal of life in the military. The tactic didn't stop with America's Army, but expanded to popular video game franchises like Call of Duty. The game glorifies war and military violence, immersing players in cinematic and tense combat scenarios where heroism and bravery are constantly on display. By associating the military with thrilling and adrenaline-fueled fun experiences, these games create a sense of excitement around the armed forces. The U.S. Department of Defense doubled down on its relationship with the entertainment industry in 2015, through DoD Instruction 5410.16, which states that "it is DoD policy that: DoD assistance may be provided to an entertainment media roduction, to include fictional portrayals, when cooperation of the producers with the DoD benefits the DoD." This policy further provides guidelines and detailed instructions for partnerships with game developers, helping to ensure that military representation is compelling and favorable to draw potential recruits in. 

In 2021, the DoD attempted to launch a $7 million marketing campaign tied to Call of Duty. Such marketing campaigns target young and impressionable gamers, who are often focused on the hyper-masculine, heroic imagery of soldiers that appeals to their ideals of strength and bravery. This can spark an interest in military service to imitate these characters. For many young people, playing Call of Duty becomes a gateway to exploring real-world military careers, as the game glorifies combat while removing and ignoring the complexities and harsh realities of war. The use of such video games in military recruitment highlights how media can shape perceptions of the military. By blending entertainment with real-world military culture, these games provide an appealing, yet simplified view of war, which can influence how players think about military service. This strategic integration of gaming and recruitment underscores the growing power of digital media as a psychological tool in an increasingly connected world. The line between virtual warfare and real-world military engagement is increasingly blurred, creating new avenues for reaching young potential recruits who don't fully understand the true nature of war.

EXHIBIT B: "HOPE"

In 2008, Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African American president in United States history. This was a monumental achievement made possible through the strategic use of advertising and media appearances. His campaign's iconic slogan, "Hope," resonated deeply with the diverse population and was instrumental in leading him to victory and securing two successful terms as president.

Obama's campaign posters, characterized by their simple yet impactful design, utilized only two colors: a bright red and a light blue, combined with a stylized image of his face. This simplicity in design allowed for easy recognition and recall, making it memorable to a wide audience. The color scheme instills a cheerful atmosphere, drawing the viewer's eyes to the poster and inviting them to engage with the message. The bright colors evoke feelings of optimism, which were crucial during a time when many Americans were facing economic hardships and uncertainty.

Interestingly, the poster does not delve into specific policy changes or proposed legislation; it simply states "Hope." This deliberate choice encourages viewers to look beyond the surface and seek out more information about Obama's policies and platform, prompting them to explore his vision for the country. By not presenting any details on it at all from an agenda to planned policy, the ad creates a sense of curiosity, motivating potential voters to research Obama's positions on key issues. This strategy effectively gets voters to engage in discussions about policy and governance, fostering more discussion around his name.

Also, the emphasis on the single word "Hope" establishes an emotional connection with voters, highlighting the importance of aspirations and vision in leadership. Obama's campaign successfully leveraged the power of symbolism and imagery to create a lasting impact, allowing for a new era in American politics that emphasized inclusivity and hope for the future.

This adaptation is an amazing use of artistic ability, to put forth a political idea through just a picture. As most people have seen, this 'format' gets adopted by new people all the time, for a new cultural message. Our society should understand the importance of this image, as it was one of the first digitally viral pieces, showing the new age of political campaigning and support.