Interactive Image Walkthrough 12.16

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Figure 12.16. J. Howard Miller, “We Can Do It!” [Westinghouse poster used by the War Production Coordinating Committee], ca. 1942-45. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

On a poster, there is a figure of a woman who moves her hand backward and rolls her sleeves as if to show her muscles. The text on the top is, We can do it.

Define Propaganda and explain the positive and negative traits associated with propaganda.

Propaganda is communication that influences public opinion and behavior,often accompanied by a recognizable visual cue that prompts the audience to make connections between image and concept.

Focus on the face and fist of the woman, and the text We Can Do It in a speech bubble.

Effective propaganda is simple. Note the combination of warm and cool colors. The yellow background creates a harmonious contrast that anchors and reinforces the encouraging phrase, �We Can Do It,� in white letters against the blue bubble which encloses it.

Focus on the woman rolling up her sleeve and showing her muscles.

The female factory worker in the center of the composition is dressed in red-white-and-blue clothes, emphasizing patriotism. She looks straight at the audience as she flexes her arm, engaging the viewer.

Focus on the woman's arm and sleeve being rolled up.

This poster is an iconic symbol of empowerment, promoting social change in the quest for gender equality.

J. Howard Miller was commissioned by the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company to create this poster to bring up the morale of the women working in their factories creating liner helmets. The poster quickly became one of the most famous images of World War II. The simple color combination of primary colors with the addition of white creates balance.

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