Little Americans

u0003_0004200_0000012
Title Little Americans
Creator Cushman Parker
Date 1917
Format 14 x 21 in
Description In Cushman Parker’s poster “Little Americans,” the artist argues that patriotism knows no age restriction in times of war. By depicting a young child joyfully saluting a bowl of oatmeal in place of a flag, Parker calls upon the youth of America and, by extension, their adult family members, to contribute to the war campaign by eating oatmeal, corn cereals, and rice, thus saving wheat supplies to be shipped overseas. The rosy-cheeked, blond haired boy cloaked in white is reminiscent of many adult figures depicted in WWI recruitment posters. Patriotism is carried through visually with the use of red, white, and blue colors as well as the capitalization of “AMERICANS” for emphasis. Through the image of a cute child and patriotic color scheme, this poster turns food conservation and rationing into a duty for both young and old alike.
Copyright and Terms Images are in the public domain or protected under U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code), and both types may be used for research and private study. For publication, commercial use, or reproduction, in print or digital format, of all images and/or the accompanying data, users are required to secure prior written permission from the copyright holder and from archives@ua.edu. When permission is granted, please credit the images as Courtesy of The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections.