March 7th

www.allposters.co.uk

In Britain today, an old World War 2 slogan has become so popular the locals are getting sick of it. Keep Calm and Carry On. There's something about the understated tone, set against the seriousness of war that creates a humorous juxtaposition. The British, known for their stiff upper lip seem to have lost the ability to laugh at themselves. However, visitors to the UK love it. No tourist shop is without the parody in some form.

Keep Calm and Drink Wine. Cross the Threshold and Put the Kettle On. Run Out Of Ideas and Make A Parody. Change Words and Be Hilarious. Keep Calm and This Poster is Getting Old.

---

Back in 1939, with war against Germany looming, the British government designed three posters to steady the public's resolve and maintain morale. These featured the king's crown set against a red background, and three slogans - Freedom is in Peril, Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory and Keep Calm and Carry On.

Two-and-a-half million copies of Keep Calm were printed, to be distributed in the event of a national catastrophe, but remained in storage throughout the war.

www.worldwar02.com

In 2000, a copy was discovered in a box of books bought at auction by a bookseller from Northumberland. He and his wife liked it so they decided to frame the WW2 slogan to display in the shop. Lots of people saw it and wanted to buy it. They refused all offers but after repeated requests decided to make copies to sell in 2001.

Twelve years on, the parodies have become wearing to some.

Who is to say what is funny and what is not? Humor is subjective. We don't see things as they are, we see them as WE are. Anais Nin.

---