Destroy this Mad Brute Research

'Destroy This Mad Brute—Enlist (1917) by H.R. Hopps was an American Recruitment poster, which attacked Germany for their brutal actions in the Rape of Belgium. representing General Ludendorff who was one of the leaders in World War 1.

The German is depicted as a gorilla because Americans believed soldiers' actions throughout the Rape of Belgium were astonishing and horrific, making the soldiers barbaric.

She is displayed as feminine through her apparel and hair, submission to the abuse of others, and the fact that she is helpless. Lastly, France is demolished in the background; this portrays the destruction of German troops and their potential threat to America (more context taken from the imagery than the protest art.)

One can see that the actions of the Germans against women is related to woman’s association with the land. Nations are typically known as “she”. By taking over women, the soldiers were taking over the land of America.'

http://ahabbestad.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/destroy-this-mad-brute-enlist-by-hr.html

'In the other hand he is holding a half naked women, which probably represent the statue of liberty because she is wearing a similar dress and when entering America people, at that time, had to go by boat and the shortest way was to go to New York and the statue of liberty is in New York. It also represent the liberty of America so by stealing the statue of liberty like in the poster the gorilla or enemy is taking away their freedom and liberty. (compare to quote above)

The bottom of the image says 'enlist' – direct order compared to protest which usually states a truth not a command.

The gorilla is wearing a helmet and has a blond moustache (there is subtext- same with protest art)

The color aspect of the picture is mainly dark and depressing. We have the dark city in the background and the gloomy light over it turning into darkness by going further up. The part where the gorilla is standing is very dark too, saying that darkness is everywhere. (both use dark tones, suggesting that both protest and propaganda do this to have impact, to have a sharp, serious note,)

light blue dress, the light blue means innocence and goodness, contradicts with the evil black of the gorilla who is holding her in his arm. (In both the women is depicted as beautiful, elegant. Kruger does this ironically to make a point about... None the less this shows how populised poster designs usually depict a keener version of life that the general public are to aspire to. (quote poster book on how we have an ideal) ++ shows parallels of good and evil (you know which side you should be on.)

The purpose is to scare (whilst Obama's is to incure hope, Kruger is to incure strength.)