francene--blog. Year 2013
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March 7th

3/7/2013

 
Picture
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.

Picture
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.


Michelle Liew link
3/6/2013 09:14:35 pm

This is definitely food for thought. After a while, it would seem wearing...because it loses a little relevance, I suppose! Something to think about this evening!

AMummys Life link
3/7/2013 02:16:38 am

I wondered where that silly slogan came from. It's everywhere I look even in NZ. I'm pretty tired of it myself lol.

Francene Stanley link
3/7/2013 02:21:38 am

Yup! I love the one. 'Lie back and think of England'. Whoever thought that one up?

Suzanne Shumaker link
3/7/2013 04:30:33 am

Francene,

That Anais Nin quote is the header of my blog - I love it. As far as the "Keep Calm and ... " these cliches are getting overused in my opinion. I suppose things are called cliche for a reason ... but I'm sure they move products!

Alana link
3/7/2013 10:59:09 am

When I saw the "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters for the first time - 4 or so years ago? - in a Freeport, Maine store specializing in British products - I thought "wow, a WW II poster reproduction!" Now, I agree - it is overdone. In our country, the Rosie the Riveter image you showed at the end of your post is in danger of going the same way.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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