Erick Nunez, Reading Responses, 10/29

Yablonovskiy wrote about the show Nu Pogodi which is essentially a Russian version of the American cartoon Tom and Jerry. He describes how shows like Nu Pogodi were purposefully played as propaganda for children in the USSR in order for them to follow the rules of their society and become successful citizens. The cartoon was also watched to, “escape the conformity of life, and experience a relief from feelings of depression caused by the strict, mundane routine they endured outside” (Page 140). This shows how the propaganda not only influenced the community of the Soviet Union but served as a distraction from the hardships of a communist group. He explains how the bunny and the wolf in the show partake in social events like singing and dancing to influence children to become “well-rounded citizens.” He also explains how the wolf gets arrested numerous times, showing the correct behavior citizens should follow. Overall, the communist norms of the USSR influenced this kind of propaganda to be displayed in order for the “perfect” community to be developed in the Soviet Union. 

Yablonovskiy’s argument is very persuasive as he uses specific examples like the show “Nu Pogodi” to demonstrate the propaganda that was present in the Soviet Union. He even points out specific scenes from the movie to show how it could influence the citizens of the USSR, specifically children. Some things I didn’t know about the Soviet Union was that there were cartoons specifically made to impact children so they can distinguish right from wrong. This is similar to the United States as certain cartoons are made to inform children about culture and norms in society such as Dora the Explorer. However, these Russian cartoons were described as almost manipulative by Yablonovskiy since their main purpose was to shape children for the perfect society.