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"The Millionaire"-Kairos


        During World War 2, The US and Soviet Russia temporarily joined forces to defeat a common enemy. However, once their goal was achieved, contrasting ideologies divided these two nations. Russia believed in equality and even distribution of capital, and saw the US as greedy and deceitful. Both the US and Russia had already developed a devastating new weapon, the atomic bomb. As a result, neither side was at an advantage, as both the US and Russia had the power to annihilate one another. This created a stalemate, as both sides constantly threatened to destroy one another, but neither side ever actually following through because that would surely bring their own demise as well.
The power of the atomic bomb had already been realized, as the US used it during World War 2 to force the relentless Japanese into surrender, and the effects of this decision are still seen even today. The stalemate and constant threat made tensions between two conflicting nations, and ideologies, rise rapidly. However, neither side could physically prove dominance through force, so it became an ideological battle. Through the Space Race, vying for control over foreign territories, and even brainwashing citizens, both sides struggled to win this war, supported strongly by citizens of both nations.
Kairos is the awareness of the circumstances that open moments of opportunity, and Russia seized these opportunities. Because this was a unique war in that it was not a physical battle for dominance but a battle of ideological supremacy, the Soviets needed every citizen to recognize how their country’s economics and politics were far superior to that of the US. Russia did this by using an arsenal of propaganda, creating over exaggerated caricatures and emphasizing nationalism to make the US appear weak, immoral, and even sadistic. One prominent way Russia did this was through cartoons. Children are most easily persuaded, and many of those in older generations were already convinced of Soviet supremacy. Russia knew this and released a slew of cartoon shows mocking American culture and traditions.

 Written by Dakota Brakob

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 3, 2017 at 6:48 AM

    This is a very nice post filled with lots of information! I like the fact that you included the history of the relationship between the US and the Soviet Union prior to all the commotion. It sheds light therefore on how erratic this sudden conflict was, considering that their relationship was mutual. In addition to Kairos, you may want to consider the use of logos in Russia's caricatures to establish their dominion. They portray the US as a lazy, bulldog Uncle Sam who does nothing but smoke. In reality, no citizen would want in a country where the government is weak or inactive. So by using the illustrations, the people are forced to support the opposing side of that government, which is the Soviet Union. Great post!

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  2. The Women's Rights Movement ENG101October 4, 2017 at 10:40 AM

    This post was very informative and sheds light on the influence of political ideology on media. It's particularly interesting how children were specifically targeted by propaganda, and by reading this post I noticed the parallels between Russia and US in promoting their own ideologies by discrediting each other. It's also interesting how somewhat universal cartoons are since no matter which country you're from you can understand the symbolism. I think this is a testament to how effective kairos is in persuasive arguments.

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  3. UnknownOctober 4, 2017 at 8:05 PM

    You guys are doing a great job on giving us historical contexts pertaining your topic! I like how you explained how Russia used cartoon propaganda to sway children's view of America. I understand children are very impressionable. So do you think it was right for Russia to manipulate children's views of Americans? Maybe it was exigent for them to do so during this time in order to protect them from American ideologies and vice versa.
    -Pelumi Olufuwa

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