How To Tell | digitalproject

Racial stereotypes in various forms of propaganda during World War II fueled cultural ignorance and hostility as well as other forms of racism. These stereotypes were found not only in wartime posters, but respected media sources such as Life magazine. In the December 22, 1941 edition of Life magazine, there was an article titled “How To Tell Japs From The Chinese” containing disreputable information about how to distinguish Chinese people and Japanese people based on their physical features. These physical features consist of generalized traits such as skin color and facial features that contribute to popular American stereotypes of Chinese and Japanese people during that time. There are various methods that were used to reinforce stereotypes and hatred towards the Japanese abroad as well as Japanese Americans.

The diction within the article is clearly biased and used methodically to instill a sense of animosity towards the Japanese. First and foremost, the Japanese are referred to as “Japs.” This is a hostile and derogatory term used to address the enemy during World War II. In this case, it is also be applied to Japanese Americans as they are trying to identify them on their own soil. In the first paragraph of the article, it addresses the two entities being compared as “friendly Chinese and enemy alien Japs.” The Chinese are described as amiable beings while the Japanese are depicted as being dangerous and disloyal. Through this technique, Life magazine creates a particular image for both the Chinese and the Japanese.

The photographs displayed within the article emphasize a negative image of the Japanese. In the above picture, the Chinese man is smiling which gives him a more affable appearance. On the other hand, the Japanese man looks resentful and agitated, giving him a more unpleasant portrayal. The Chinese man is also described as a “public servant,” while the Japanese man is labeled as a “warrior.” The description of the Chinese man enables the viewer to perceive him as benevolent while the Japanese warrior is portrayed as threatening and ruthless.

The purpose of this image is propaganda used to help reinforce popular American belief that Japanese are evil and harmful people. This article is significant because it helped justify the victimization of not only Japanese people as a whole, but Japanese Americans. Additionally, it reflects the paranoia and xenophobia rampant in America during World War II.