While searching the internet for inspiration for our modern take on the classic wartime Propaganda poster, I discovered that there were a ridiculous amount of propaganda posters directed towards preventing venereal disease. So much so that all my google image searches returned 3 anti-VD posters to every anti-Axis, pro military posters. I'm embarrassed to admit that up until now, I was completely oblivious to this form of propaganda. But, looking back at all of the books and films that I have seen regarding the war it makes complete sense. I guess those Gene Kelly-Frank Sinatra musical adventures while on shore-leave films (On The Town and Anchors Aweigh, if you're curious) had a dark side after all.
In general, the
easy women portrayed in these posters take on the appearance of dangerous dames who would star in the pulp novels of the era, albeit a little more sinister. The exceptions would be the ladies to the left who look like a bunch of catty bitches talking about a loose acquaintance behind her back. The girl directly below has her shirt buttoned up to the collar, but who knows she maybe she's hiding a wild side - and a wicked case of gonorrhea. Here's a sampling of the more entertaining posters, featuring the dreaded
V-gals:
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| This gal looks about 15 - This should say beware of under aged Lolitas |
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| This gal looks more like the illustrations of blow-up dolls in old magazine adds |
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| I've always enjoyed the term Booby Trap |
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| Love the phallic symbolism here. This girl is so sinister they've compared her to a deadly snake. She also sucking on a very phallic cigarette. I also enjoy that the dance club is called Shorty's |
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| Why don't they just paint a giant swastika on this gal? |
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| I don't think they'd mind the cooking of the goose so much. You also gotta love the slang for prophylactic. |
While searching the internet for inspiration for our modern take on the classic wartime Propaganda poster, I discovered that there were a ridiculous amount of propaganda posters directed towards preventing venereal disease. So much so that all my google image searches returned 3 anti-VD posters to every anti-Axis, pro military posters. I'm embarrassed to admit that up until now, I was completely oblivious to this form of propaganda. But, looking back at all of the books and films that I have seen regarding the war it makes complete sense. I guess those Gene Kelly-Frank Sinatra musical adventures while on shore-leave films (On The Town and Anchors Aweigh, if you're curious) had a dark side after all.
