Meet John Doughboy

Released a few months before the US entered World War II. This short animation presents an update on potential developments of the war and introduces propaganda content in a simple and comedic way. From a modern perspective there's something surreal about the whole thing. The combination of war, death, children's animation and slapstick comedy is something I found disturbing. The American positivity and naivety comes across in droves when the subject of mechanised warfare and invasion is being joked about. Haunting when you realise the attack on Pearl Harbor happened only a few months later. Also contains unsubtle hints of racism.

The world has gone mad. You decide to go to the cinema with your children as a means of escape and entertainment. Before your picture starts you get hit with this. Enjoy!