quiz 8 uncle sam

These two images both carry the image of the iconic Uncle Sam, but deliver very different messages. The image on the left is the classic Uncle Sam poster. It was used as government propaganda during World Wars I and II to recruit young men for the military. Since the first issue of this poster, it has remained a memorable piece of our past and symbolizes Americana and nationalism. The image on the at the top is a culture jam of that Americana. Uncle Sam is not only a political figure but a pop culture icon as well, perfect for manipulating. The creators used a nostalgic image symbolizing traditional American values of trusting the government, but inserted a message of doubt and criticism. This image uses Uncle Sam again, but shows an em-battered version, still holding out his hand but in desperation, not sternness. The copy uses the same beginning two words, but ends with "out" instead of the "you for the U.S. Army." The images are laid out the same, but the changed expression of Uncle Sam and different copy suggest an entirely different meaning. This image was used during the controversial Vietnam War. The message this poster sends out is one from the countercultural and oppositional group, the groups Kahn and Kellner cite as needing culture jamming techniques to reach a mass audience. It also is an example of Warner's "rhetorical sabotage."