glittering generality
Glittering Generality is a technique where words that generate strong feelings, such as virtue words, are used vaguely to promote a certain emotion. This poster dating back to WWII uses this tool to encourage men to join the army. Words such as “freedom” are used unclearly. How does he fight for freedom? Why is freedom so important? There is barely any information transmitted to the viewer and yet the poster is effective because it generates a positivity through the meanings the words carry. In addition, the soldier is smiling because he is fighting for freedom. This implies that if one joins the army he would be just as happy as the soldier in the poster. In addition, the poster refers to the soldier as a friend. Again, this phrase is extremely vague because the views do not know how the soldier is a friend and why he would be a friend when his job is to kill people. Inspite of that phrase being vague, it succeeds in creating a warm and loving aura. In brief, this poster is a example of Glittering Generality.
Citation:
This Man Is Your Friend. He Fights for Freedom. Digital image. How to Think Clearly About
Politics: Facts, Assertions, and Generalities. N.p., 10 Aug. 1942. Web. 13 Feb. 2014. <http://williamrwilson.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Think-Clearly-About-Politics-Facts-Assertions-and-Generalities#slide2150114>.
Citation:
This Man Is Your Friend. He Fights for Freedom. Digital image. How to Think Clearly About
Politics: Facts, Assertions, and Generalities. N.p., 10 Aug. 1942. Web. 13 Feb. 2014. <http://williamrwilson.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Think-Clearly-About-Politics-Facts-Assertions-and-Generalities#slide2150114>.