Nixon-Nazi Poster Pathos

The Free Speech Movement as we know it today began on the UC Berkeley campus in the early 60s. Although a specific administrative ban of campus political activity triggered the wave of revolutionary action, Berkeley already had a decades-long history of censorship. Students -- liberals, conservatives, and radicals -- channeled passionate, focused rage into continued protests and sit-ins. This collective anger is reflected in the students' comparison between Nixon's leadership and Nazism. To those from other generations, this equation may sound like hyperbole. But to students at the time, the lack of political representation and overall suppression of their voices at such a reactive time in American history was reflective of the breakdown of democracy. Similar propaganda calling for equity and even socialism were a direct product of the students' outrage and the broader hostility of American politics:


Overall, the 60s was when political engagement on campus was introduced in a renewed light; as an integral part of students' education. Censorship threatened to limit students' development as socially-aware citizens, and resulting sentiments are reflected in the students' bold symbolism.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 8, 2017 at 8:44 PM

    This movement signals a shift in college life. College was changing from a place where people are sent to become good Americans to a place where people go to have a full education and learn the truths of the world.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownOctober 9, 2017 at 7:22 AM

    I like how you provided examples of propaganda to demonstrate how students at the time felt about the Nixon's actions. The lack of political will influenced students to speak their minds since the government was not listening to the citizens thoughts, which invoked feelings of anger.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownOctober 9, 2017 at 1:55 PM

    These examples of propaganda are very good examples of how the role of college students in activism has changed since these events. It was very important that these young adults voiced their concerns about political actions.

    ReplyDelete

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