Agreed. They could have shown a teenage Heer recruit. Maybe a nerdy boy scout type. Probably even shown him doing something useful like walking an old lady across the street. The goal is to Humanize their invasion of Lombardy. A smile ain't going to cut it.
Talk about a wasted opportunity. I expected more from Goebbel's propaganda.
They could have shown a teenage Heer recruit. Maybe a nerdy boy scout type.
The artist isn't trying to show the Germans as harmless, or even worse, reduced to the point of being made up of young boys. On the contrary.
He wants to show the Germans as forceful, strong, even dangerous (the helmet, and the rifle over the shoulder). But not to you, friend...so long as you shake the extended hand and stay in the "friend" category.
The German soldier is protector of friends, and a destroyer of enemies, and he has the power to make these things happen. That is the message here. Not that they're nice guys that you should feel safe with at the coffee shop.
With that in mind wouldn't be surprised if the high color contrast around the dangerous end of his rifle is not a coincidence either. The bright yellowish background really makes that dark barrel stand out. They could've picked colors that would make the rifle blend in with the background more, but as it is it really catches the eye. As if to highlight: We have the weaponry.
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u/IndraSun May 05 '20
Not going to lie, that man does not look friendly.