A Question for the Readers

There’s a school in Ukraine that was getting rid of some old posters from the 80’s. Jess saved a few and was kind enough to give me one of them. They are pure propaganda.

This one shows a ‘privateer’ (kid soldier) in chains being interrogated by the evil capitalists. But look at how unrelenting the young shackled privateer is! Yes, this is a Soviet child who will not give in to the pressures of the West!

privateer.PNG

HOW ABSURDLY AWESOME IS THIS?!?!

So here’s the question. I intend on getting this bad boy framed. Should I, or Shouldn’t I, hang this up in my cubical at work?

In part, it would be awesome because it’s a great conversational piece and it has a unique history and it’s wicked cool. But… it also shows someone in shackles, and it might be wrong to post that at your place of work.

What are your thoughts?!?

28 thoughts on “A Question for the Readers

  • 1/7/2009 at 11:08 pm
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    Oh man. I just can’t get over how awesome this poster is.

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  • 1/7/2009 at 11:13 pm
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    I don’t know any capitalists who dress like that. Are you sure he’s not being interrogated by Russian troops?
    And if the Soviet Union was so great how come nobody gave this kid a pair of shoes?

    It’s probably wiser not to put this up at work.

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  • 1/7/2009 at 11:20 pm
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    Good questions on who the unlabeled interrogators are.

    The poster is from 1984 when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union along with Russia, so it’s unlikely that the older men are Russian. During the early 80’s there was an intense revival of cold war sentiments so I think it’s possible that these posters were made with the intent to specifically signify American capitalists as the ‘bad guys.’

    As for the shoes, I think the other posters showed the privateers with footwear (perhaps Jess will be able to confirm this), it may be that this outfit was chosen as evidence of the sort of harsh environment you can expect when you are a prisoner of war.

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  • 1/7/2009 at 11:36 pm
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    Cool poster, but probably not work appropriate. All you need is an older man to walk into your cubical and think you’re a Commie.

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  • 1/7/2009 at 11:53 pm
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    Perhaps hanging inside the cube wall so passersby can’t see it?

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  • 1/8/2009 at 12:30 am
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    1. Probably too deep for work. But go for it, it’s a good look at the other side of the fence, and it wouldn’t get much exposure if you hung it up at home.
    2. The military uniforms, boots, square facial features (think old comic books) and even sidearm holster of the man in the foreground are a dead-on match for traditional American garb later during the Cold War.
    The man on the right has a feeble frame, different shoulder insignia and very different body language, I wonder if maybe he’s supposed to represent more of a stereotypical British figure, or just a generic Western European adversary.
    Either way, the young boy’s determination against the two different antagonists is excellent. Jess have any more? Cool stuff.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 12:56 am
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    Maybe you could get a huge poster of the Muppets to hang up next to it. Then people would just think you were quirky, and not necessarily a Communist.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 3:08 am
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    You need this on your wall. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 3:28 am
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    Yes. If you’re uneasy, have a small plaque made that says “IT JUST LOOKS AWESOME” and place that underneath the frame, and if anyone questions it, point to that.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 7:12 am
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    The interrogators obviously took the boy’s shoes to break his will, foolishly they left him with the glowing hat of resolve.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 8:04 am
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    HA!

    aww man, I wish I had a glowing hat of resolve.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 8:11 am
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    Ooooh, good observations Sander.

    I’ll have to see if I can get Jess to send pictures of the others, a few were equally as awesome.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 9:21 am
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    If you are even thinking about hanging it at work it’s probably fine as far as content.

    I would be more concerned about size. Hanging a full-size poster on a small cubicle wall is incredibly tacky. If you have an office, hang it on a wall there and keep it a reasonable distance from other features (other hung items, corners, light fixtures, etc). Otherwise, keep it in your living room.

    There is no reason to sacrifice all the aesthetics of your cube just for one cool poster.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 10:52 am
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    Ahh. Not being into comic books, I was unaware of the connection. Have to say from a reality standpoint that is not what American military uniforms looked like at the time. At least not the Army uniforms.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 10:53 am
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    It’s a shame the hat outshines the glowing pajamas of resolve.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 11:40 am
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    Mike D; card carrying Pinko Commie.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 12:36 pm
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    This is a fantastic idea.
    If you can think of anything less communist than the muppets, I’ll gladly hear it.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 3:26 pm
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    I would totally hang this in my office at the Catholic school I teach at. So, I see no problem hanging it in a cubicle. But, then again…I’m also “that teacher”.

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  • 1/8/2009 at 4:27 pm
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    Thanks, Sander! Although now I’m realizing that a parallel might be seen between the Muppet’s and Animal Farm…

    Perhaps a map of Texas? Yeesh, that might be too much.

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  • 1/9/2009 at 4:45 pm
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    You have an odd definition of the word need.

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  • 1/9/2009 at 4:46 pm
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    Do they actually have cards?

    Personally, I think Mike D would look good in pink.

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  • 1/9/2009 at 4:47 pm
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    “That teacher?” The one who’s the reason my kids learn their religion at home? Or is it just that you encourage thought?

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  • 1/9/2009 at 6:33 pm
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    Note: Let’s not get into religion or teaching doctrine discussions on the website. Let’s keep the comments light.

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  • 1/9/2009 at 11:52 pm
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    Aw, Mike, you’re no fun. I was totally gearing up for a religious smack down. I have birthday money to bet.

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  • 1/10/2009 at 5:23 pm
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    That was me keeping it light. I was just curious what “that teacher” means. No plans for a debate.

    Jes, I didn’t know saints gambled ;)

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  • 1/14/2009 at 2:53 pm
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    Yes. You should have it hanging in the office and change your name to Vladimir and demand everyone calls you “Comrade” from now on. And only wear red.

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  • 1/14/2009 at 9:17 pm
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    Mikhail would make more sense.

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