Nu Pogodi: Propaganda for Children of the USSR

Introduction: The Soviet cartoon “Nu Pogodi” by Soyuzmultfilm has been theorized to have been used to brainwash or in a way influence the people of the Soviet Union against the government, however, the same theory could be interpreted as evidence supporting the government depending on varying perspectives. The evidence suggests how the bunny symbolizes the “intelligentsia”, which is what the intelligent upper class was called as they were well-educated, and the wolf symbolizes the proletariat, the working class. The bunny was always succeeding and getting ahead, at least one step ahead of the wolf at all times. This is synonymous with the struggle between the bourgeois and the working class in the Russian Empire, a catalyst for the Communist Revolution, which would support the cause of the government. The same theory however could also symbolize getting ahead in the Soviet Union, how many people got by as being party members and got favors from the government, as well as those with higher education were more respected, going against the Soviet Union alluding to the reality of what was really going on. There is much more propaganda yet to be uncovered.

Abstract: This paper breaks down motifs and tropes within the Soviet Era cartoon “Nu Pogodi” and explores the rhetoric found within the show. It breaks down the propaganda that is employed within the show, who is responsible, and its purpose, as well as, taking a look at the Soviet Union as a whole and how life was affected by this show. It takes a look at the Soviet people, what the cartoons meant to them, and what role they fulfilled. The piece also includes personal accounts of my life with respect to the cartoon and what profound effect the cartoon had on my life, as it served the purpose of a cultural artifact. It goes into depth on instances where the cartoon was had great impact my life, changing it for the better. The text explores various ideologies of the Soviet government and people and how they compare and contrast. The paper highlights how Soviet life was mechanized/monotonous and how cartoons such as “Nu Pogodi” provided an escape. The cartoon allowed for children to escape into a world that was not strictly dictated by school, work, training in arts/sports, and glory to the regime. The work also debates different perspectives of what the cartoon’s rhetoric meant and what its purpose was, for example the government made the cartoon to spread its ideology in various subtexts, or the people/creators of the cartoon hid messages of opposition in the subtexts. According to research, this cartoon had stirred up controversy when portraying the protagonists as gay or crossdressers going against the state’s anti-gay propaganda policy. In another instance, research found the wolf and rabbit to be an analogy to the proletariat always losing to the “intelligentsia” communicating a pro-communist theme.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1be8kUbzyZJUYaJezVkQLAKWkYoeNpB9a3hElqc253tk/edit?usp=sharing