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Essay / The influence of pop culture on politics and identity
Pop culture media such as film and song can be used to impose political agendas on consumers. More often than not, we see musical artists investing their two cents in world news. For example, Michael Jackson was seen producing the song “Heal the World” during the Gulf War. In short, Jackson's song is about making the world a better place and loving your neighbors, but that has to start with loving yourself. In the Yenerall study, he mentions how Walt Disney Productions was approached by the government to produce an anti-Nazi animated propaganda short film. By the time of World War II, Walt Disney Productions was the most popular animation studio and still is today. This film was called Education for Death. It was a very impactful title because of its implicit meaning, it made one anticipate the subject of the film before watching it. The film more or less perceives the Nazis as brainwashed infidels who have no morals and are raised to do horrible things. People saw this film and it influenced their political stance during this war. This film was created to bring nations together and fight a common enemy. Walt Disney was not only involved in making short films about World War II, but also films that would encourage Americans to join the United States Army and Navy. This could make you question yourself and