"Loose Lips Sink Ships." That's how many of us learned the World War II-era admonition that careless talk can have dire consequences half a world away. The phrase "Loose Talk Can Cost Lives" appeared on a series of posters. It too is a harsh slogan but simply not as catchy. It lacks the rhyme and tongue-twisting alliteration of "Loose Lips Sink Ships."
"Be Smart/Act Dumb!" is a poster in this series illustrated by Otto Soglow. There is a play on the word dumb, which can mean mute or stupid, the opposite of smart. Soglow's citizen, decked in fedora and white tie, has his every word being listened in on by the outsized ears of Hitler and Tojo, represented in ugly caricatures too obviously intended to dehumanize the enemy.
Another Soglow poster from the same series puts the emphasis on not broadcasting everything you know:
Other artists contributed to this series of posters, including cartoonist William Steig:
Note: These posters, like so many of the creations of Otto Soglow and William Steig, are largely forgotten now but still worth a look-see. Those with access to original artwork or overlooked published works by these artists are invited to submit scans or photos. What's old is new again.
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Otto Soglow
William Steig
World War II
"Be Smart/Act Dumb!" is a poster in this series illustrated by Otto Soglow. There is a play on the word dumb, which can mean mute or stupid, the opposite of smart. Soglow's citizen, decked in fedora and white tie, has his every word being listened in on by the outsized ears of Hitler and Tojo, represented in ugly caricatures too obviously intended to dehumanize the enemy.
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| Otto Soglow Be Smart. Act Dumb! 1942 poster |
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| Otto Soglow Be Smart. Act Dumb! Framed 1942 poster |
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| Detail |
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| Otto Soglow Global Auctions Company, August 7, 2016, Lot 27 |
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| Otto Soglow Be Smart. Act Dumb! 1942 poster |
Another Soglow poster from the same series puts the emphasis on not broadcasting everything you know:
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| Otto Soglow Button Your Lip! Poster |
Other artists contributed to this series of posters, including cartoonist William Steig:
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| William Steig Loose Talk Can Cost Lives poster |
Note: These posters, like so many of the creations of Otto Soglow and William Steig, are largely forgotten now but still worth a look-see. Those with access to original artwork or overlooked published works by these artists are invited to submit scans or photos. What's old is new again.
Quick Links to the Attempted Bloggery Archives
Otto Soglow
William Steig
World War II
Attempted Bloggery Supports Net Neutrality
02453
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