A Light-Hearted Approach
Creativity through Comedy
The implementation of comical references momentarily hid the sense of fear during the 80s. A good representation of this is one [6] that’s promoting the 1986 Give Peace a Dance event. It displays a cartoon sketch of a Pacman labeled ‘guns’ and ‘bombs,’ who is about to eat human services.
Therefore, the use of an iconic video game figure reveals unexpected humor, which ultimately softens the larger theme: how “defense” might not be enough to protect America’s population.
Likewise, a poster [7] from 1987 displays Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev dancing together. As they are in motion and are smiling, it stirs laughter in part due to the Soviet Leader wearing a dress.
Although this is not the only source of humor, it is troubling to a modern eye because of the creative decision to dress him up as a woman. This may imply the United States as superior, as Reagan is the one who is physically ‘leading’ the two countries.