HSHQTASK044: PROPAGANDA
currently france is absolutely littered with posters: one asks you to enlist, one asks you to buy war bonds, one boasts about the nation’s unity. the tricolor is everywhere. the advertisements for monoprix or bricorama have been replaced by pictures of respectable and admirable soldiers. they are there to remind you that something bigger than you is happening.
THERE IS NO ONE DEFINED STYLE. the people working on the campaigns are trying out every single trick in the book. some posters are modeled after the ones that were used in the 40s, some posters are as modern as they get, some appeal to the people’s nationalism while others appeal to their vanity. most importantly, there’s something for everyone. some taglines are as obnoxious as they can get while others are more personal, they tell a story. the people smiling in the posters are so very likable.
SOCIAL MEDIA HAS CHANGED THE GAME THOUGH. the posters are nice but they are not efficient. the take time. they can be vandalized. but instagram adverts, facebook adverts... ? a lot of resources have been spent on social media marketing. small 20 second commercials pop up on the screens of french citizens on a daily basis. french influencers can be spotted holding flags and smiling. vive la france !
OTHER COLLABORATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. the arnault family is now on the royal family’s good graces. they are true patriots. louis vuitton monogram now adores the lining of the uniforms. and even the windows of chanel shops have been decorated to honor the brave men and women of france. a small portion of the proceeds goes to ensuring the well-being of those brave soldiers.
THE HONORABLE FRENCH SOLDIER IS DIGNIFIED. the uniform is something to be proud of. the soldier is patriotic. the soldier believes in protecting their brothers. the soldier is someone anyone can be but not everyone have the strength and virtue to be one. the soldier is someone special, someone who is more capable than the people around them. are you the perfect french soldier, the one who will make their parents and country proud ? who finds a home among other admirable and inspiring people ?
WHAT ALL THE CAMPAIGNS ARE MISSING IS THE ROYAL FAMILY. only the banner of the d’orléans family can be seen in some of the posters. arnauld’s ratings have never been quite so low so it was an obvious decision to keep him and the rest of the royal family removed from the campaigns. it would have seemed too frivolous of them to make an appearance in the campaign.
WHAT THE ROYAL FAMILY DOES DO IS GIVE SPEECHES AND MAKE VISITS. dozens and dozens and dozens of speeches. the speech writers’ hands are practically cramping. arnauld visits the generals and their favourites occasionally, makes them feel like their sacrifice is appreciated, keeps them loyal. henri visits the new recruits, makes sure that they keep their heads up and stay motivated. giselle talks to nurses and pretends to be impressed when presented with numbers. such long hours ! she’ll exclaim. none of the three really care.
THERE ARE THREE THINGS THE GOVERNMENT CONCENTRATES ON: making sure the army is respected and admired, making sure people are spending money, and making sure the royal family doesn’t fall from grace. new recruits are needed and the soldiers need to feel like they are doing something important. it’s important for the army to be something to be proud of --- that way it becomes an important part of self-image. the economy needs to stay at least somewhat stable. the unemployment rate can’t rise. and as for the royal family... it’s a bit of a roller coaster. the first move on andorra was heavily criticized and politicians were quick to defend themselves by saying it was the nobility’s ambition that had gotten them where they were. and everyone knows who holds the reigns at the court. but then.. then andorra was no more. there was just foix. the king was ruthless but you couldn’t help but to admire the accomplishment. luxembourg started out strong only to become a pr disaster. people are very divided about belgium but having the duke of hainaut on france’s side makes a big difference.
