on rather than the artist personal opinion. The same prominent characters were used to symbolize central meanings, for example, Hitler represented evil while the American eagle represented good, whereas women and children represented innocence. Several cartoon characters made by Disney were used as well, i.e. Donald duck represented the navy, and Mickey Mouse represented the air force. These same prominent figures and characters were used on war posters as well. Nose art was a popular way to submit war propaganda in the front lines. Nose art was art painted on the nose of a fighter or bomber plane. Several different categories came into play almost immediately. Bomber art, fighter art, and regional art were the most popular. In bomber art, the main focus was on the company or patroon (that may have their different colors), though often a general war spirit or popular belief was implemented on the nose of a bomber. In fighter art, it was a more personal art form. Many of the fighters reflected the colors of the pilot’s rank, status, and company. Both fighters and bombers were often colored brightly so if they met up with another company, they’d be able to distinguish between the companies. In Regional art the fighters were painted to appear as demons. This was especially effective in fighting the Japanese, since they were very spiritual and regarded sightings of demons as bad luck. Nose art and color patterns were also used as a form of discipline and punishment. For example, if a bomber group ever hit its target it would be painted as brightly and as clownish as possible. This form was painted permanently on the Tuskegee airmen planes. While posters and editorial cartoons were predominately effective on the home front, leaflets were used as almost a weapon. Leaflets were, to put it simply, bombed upon the desired country as a way to change the public opinion of the bombed country. They served as a way to stop Axis forces fro...
