California Cornucopia of the World
The image I chose illustrates the false propaganda people such as Jurgis were influenced by. The sign reads, “California: Cornucopia of the World,” welcoming millions of immigrants across the world. The poster was produced to motivate immigrants to move west in 1885. This poster promises healthy, private land for farming and, “A Climate for Wealth.” The thought of a sustainable job to support a family, freedom to express beliefs, and accessibility to resources were all encouraging signs to migrate. In addition, the poster is advertised with bright colors and beautiful crops to persuade immigrants. This advertisement expresses a life of paradise, sustainability, and relaxation. This poster ultimately ties back to the corruption of the American Government during these times. This type of propaganda rides on a limb and expresses next to impossible assumptions of life in California. In "The Jungle," Jurgis finds out the true life of an immigrant in America, which completely strips the ideals from the american dream. Nothing is ever fair; a corrupt Government controlled the destiny of Jurgis and his family. Jurgis does what he can to provide for his family, but the constant set backs bring him to a state of helplessness. One of the only times Jurgis found any means of success is when capitalists convince him to participate in illegal duties. The theory of the american dream proposed by propagandists, ultimately set up Jurgis and his family to disaster. They came to Chicago for freedom and opportunities, but corruption resulting from capitalism deemed their chance. The poster delivered by the Government promises several tempting notions, which shows the treatment by the ring holders. In the early 20th century, immigrants were treated more as animals than as people. The fate of innocent animals in the slaughterhouse is similar to immigrants. None of the struggles could have been possible without propaganda. "California: Cornucopia of the World," is a fantastic example of the negative influence from the Government and how corrupt the upper division really was.