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Russian Propaganda postcard - German Cockroaches
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Russian Propaganda postcard - German Cockroaches
" The Prussians" A Russian propaganda postcard from WWI era, depictng Russian soldiers driving out the German menace, depicted as cockroaches. This card also features a linguistic play on words, as Cockroaches are often called prussaki (Prussians) in cooloquial Russian; in Germany, of course, they are Russen (Russians) !! Date: circa 1916
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Media ID 11549689
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Archetypes Cockroach Control Driving Germans Killing Language Pest Pests Prussian Prussians Representations Stereotypes Terminology Words Cockroaches
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative Russian propaganda postcard from the WWI era, titled "The Prussians," depicts a powerful and determined Russian soldier, brandishing a broom, as he drives out a horde of German soldiers, depicted as cockroaches. The linguistic play on words in this image is noteworthy, as the German soldiers are referred to as "prussaki" in colloquial Russian, which translates to "little Prussians," a derogatory term used to refer to the Germans during this time. In contrast, in Germany, the Russians were referred to as "Russen." The image of the German soldiers as cockroaches is a common propaganda tactic used to dehumanize the enemy and instill fear and disgust. The use of insects as a metaphor for the enemy was not unique to this postcard; it was a widespread and effective propaganda tool during both World War I and II. The image of the German soldiers as pests to be exterminated reinforces the idea that they are an unwelcome invader, and that it is the duty of the Russian people to drive them out. The postcard also highlights the importance of the Eastern Front in WWI, which saw some of the most brutal and costly battles of the war. The image of the Russian soldier triumphantly driving out the German cockroaches is a powerful symbol of the Russian people's determination to defend their homeland against the German threat. The use of the cockroach metaphor also underscores the idea that the war was not just a military conflict, but a battle for the very soul of Russia and its people. This postcard, produced circa 1916, is a fascinating glimpse into the propaganda tactics used during WWI and the ways in which language and imagery were manipulated to shape public opinion and mobilize support for the war effort.
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