That Winning Smile,’Leest Storm SS’

That Winning Smile,’Leest Storm SS’

1944, 28.7 x 21.2 in. (73 x 54 cm), Harald Damsleth

Poster to advertise for a a Dutch SS newspaper. “Leest Storm-SS” (see the Dutch caption, which translates to “Read Storm-SS,” referring to a Dutch SS newspaper)

The central theme is anti-Americanism. The poster suggests that the U.S.A., despite its claims of being liberators, is actually a destructive force.

Various symbols and captions reinforce this narrative:

• • • “Miss America” and “Miss Victory” criticize American beauty pageants and alleged sexual laxness.
    • The Ku Klux Klan reference highlights racial tensions.
    • The dollar sign represents materialism.
    • The Star of David implies Jewish influence.
    • The monster’s arm holds a machine gun, depicting gun violence.
    • The lynching noose and Ku Klux Klan hood allude to anti-black violence.
    • The boxing glove grasping a money bag symbolizes America’s focus on money and violence.