How did Hitler and the Nazi Party convince millions of people that the murder of Jews during the Holocaust was not only justifiable but correct? What can we learn from one of the most horrific times in history?
Can Posters Kill? uses rare, historical posters to take readers on a visual journey from medieval anti-Jewish artwork to the venomous Nazi propaganda of the Second World War. These posters show how powerful propaganda can be as a tool for spreading hate: how repetition, vivid imagery, and urgent messaging promote intense emotional reactions—fear, distrust, loyalty, revulsion—that can be used to create a coordinated campaign to impact the way we think. By understanding the visual language of propaganda from the past, we can learn to recognize and resist messages of hate—an essential skill in a digital world where information is spread in seconds.
★ “Whether used as curriculum support for units on world history or language arts writing genres, in art classes, or to foster empathy in SEL sessions, the arresting artwork and insightful commentary are sure to inspire thoughtful reflection and generate considerable discussion.”
"Faivish, a son of Holocaust survivors, and co-author Cole weave together an analysis of antisemitic propaganda posters and the history of World War II….The formal analysis of the images will help readers understand the ideologies the posters promoted, hone their visual literacy skills, and gain historical insights….A necessary overview that’s rich in analysis and insight."
"The propaganda posters convey the Third Reich’s antisemitic visual and textual rhetoric used to indoctrinate the masses…..Notices that effectively delivered disinformation to millions originated from France, Belgium, Serbia, Russia, and Italy, as well as Germany. Connecting past to present, readers are urged to question artificial intelligence, which can lead to deception by deepfakes…..VERDICT Illustrating how the influence of art and writing can become a powerful tool of destruction when the government controls the media, this book is essential for every school library."
“The richly illustrated publication spotlights how vivid imagery and repetition intended to evoke fear, distrust, loyalty or revulsion served to influence populations to accept (even collaborate in) barbarism….Can Posters Kill? Antisemitic Propaganda and World War II provide[s] powerful resources for educators to convey the lessons of history in ways that are impactful but age-appropriate, with undeniable and clear lessons around critical media consumption for contemporary generations.”
“Posters did not kill six million Jewish men, women, and children. But vicious antisemitic Nazi propaganda prepared the ground—poster by poster by poster. Helping young people critically reflect on persisting antisemitic stereotypes and simplistic messages is of the utmost importance in the world we live in today.”
“The posters are staggering. The text that accompanies each piece of art is intriguing and informative. It’s a book that needs to be read.”
“A remarkable collection… This book is a good reminder of how propaganda works, and what needs to be done to ensure that campaigns of hate can be exposed before their consequences turn deadly.”