Posters

My first thought when I hear the word "posters" is the song by Jack Johnon.

Well I'm a superficial, systematic, music television addict
Check out my outsides there ain't nothing in

Here comes another one, just like the other one
Looking at himself but wishing he was someone else
Because the posters on the wall they don't look like a him
And so he ties it up he tucks it in, he pulls it back and gives a grin
Laughing at himself because he knows he ain't loved at all
He knows he ain't loved at all

I think of this song for two reasons: one being the obvious, the song is entitled "Posters" and two because I had a large collection of Jack Johnson posters in my room throughout middle and high school. Posters are arguably the most effective form of propaganda. They are able to reach a large audience and are extremely cost efficient. Posters can be used to present new ideas or to promote causes. I can remember the endless poster project assignments throughout elementary, middle, and high school. When creating a poster, it is all about appearance. A poster needs to appropriately regard and glorify the idea or topic it is presenting. In the same way, much of what is advertised on posters is all about appearance. While many posters are significantly useful, the song by Jack Johnson sheds some light on the negative aspects of posters. Posters often present us with an idea, manipulating us into believing we need to own, purchase, or be something we are not or do not have. A good poster requires meticulous work, taking color, font, language, images, style, size, and placement all into consideration. While the use of internet and other technology are rising causing the use of many "old-fashioned" mediums to decrease, posters are a form of propaganda that remain.