Contemporary opinion - Vietnam
The cartoon from May 1964 depicts a soldier walking past a graveyard filled with crosses, indicative of a battlefield or a place where many have died. A ghostly figure labeled "DIEN BIEN PHU," referencing the decisive battle in 1954 where French forces were defeated by the Viet Minh, reaches out towards the soldier. The soldier, likely representing American military involvement in Vietnam, is saying "Go away! I don't believe in ghosts!"
The message of the cartoon is a warning about ignoring the lessons of history. The "ghost" of Dien Bien Phu symbolizes the memory of a past military disaster in the same region. It suggests that the United States, by becoming increasingly involved in Vietnam, was at risk of repeating the mistakes that led to France's defeat. The statement "I don't believe in ghosts" implies a willful ignorance or dismissal of past lessons that could |
The cartoon depicts an American soldier stepping up on a platform with the word "VIET-NAM" cracked and uneven, suggesting instability or treacherous footing. The soldier looks upward, seemingly towards an uncertain future or destination. The caption "the ascent into the unknown" reinforces this sense of uncertainty and implies that the U.S. military involvement in Vietnam is leading into a precarious and unpredictable situation. The message of the cartoon, published in 1965, is likely a commentary on the escalation of U.S. military presence in Vietnam without a clear objective or understanding of the complexities involved, highlighting the uncertain path ahead and the potentially unstable consequences of this involvement.
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The cartoon features President Lyndon B. Johnson showing a map of Vietnam with explosions marking the bombing campaign. The caption "We've Shown That We're Willing to Go More Than Half Way" likely refers to Johnson's efforts to initiate peace talks or negotiate a settlement in the Vietnam War. The imagery, however, contradicts the caption: while the phrase suggests a willingness to compromise or make peace, the map indicates an intense bombing campaign, which is not an act of compromise but rather one of aggression. The message could be critiquing the Johnson administration's approach to the Vietnam War, highlighting the discrepancy between its stated desire for peace and the reality of its military actions.
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The cartoon depicts two American soldiers in what appears to be a Vietnamese jungle. One soldier is engaged in combat, while the other is listening to a radio broadcasting the message "THE CONG VIET CAN'T WIN." The soldier with the radio says, "I hope the Viet Cong know this!"
The message of the cartoon is likely a commentary on the disconnect between optimistic official statements or media broadcasts about the war and the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the ground. It reflects skepticism about the positive spin from authorities, contrasting it with the soldiers' dire situation as they engage in difficult warfare. The statement "I hope the Viet Cong know this" is an ironic remark questioning the effectiveness of such messages against the tangible and violent conflict they are experiencing. |
The message of the cartoon is a critical commentary on the nature of the "liberation" of South Vietnam by North Vietnamese forces. It depicts a North Vietnamese soldier forcing a South Vietnamese person to smile while they hold a flag that likely represents the North Vietnamese flag. The act of forcibly creating a smile suggests that the liberation is not as welcomed or beneficial as it might be officially portrayed. The cartoon is making a statement about the oppressive or coercive methods used by the North Vietnamese and the absence of genuine freedom or happiness among the South Vietnamese population despite the claim of "liberation." The term "Befreit" reinforces the irony, as it translates to "liberated," contrasting the grim reality with the supposed ideal.
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