Shame on racist 1972

The 1972 Soviet poster by V. Karakashev, titled "Shame on Racists" (Позор Расистам), is a striking example of Cold War-era propaganda with a bold anti-racist message. Created in the Soviet Union, the poster reflects the USSR's emphasis on presenting itself as an advocate for international solidarity and a critic of racial injustice, particularly in the context of the civil rights struggles and racial violence in the West.

The composition is both powerful and confrontational. It features a vivid red shirt, symbolizing the blood of victims and the passionate fight against racism, contrasted against a stark grayscale background. The image depicts a disturbing scene of brutality, with an African man suspended upside-down, surrounded by ominous, faceless figures representing enforcers of systemic violence. This haunting visual critique is designed to evoke outrage and a call for justice.

The bold text at the bottom, "Позор Расистам!" ("Shame on Racists!"), delivers an unambiguous and forceful condemnation of racial oppression. The emblem of the Soviet Peace Committee is prominently featured, underscoring the USSR’s alignment with global anti-colonial and anti-racist movements, a key component of Soviet ideological competition with the United States during the Cold War.

Posters like this one were part of a broader Soviet campaign to highlight social inequalities and racial injustices in Western countries, particularly the United States, while promoting the Soviet Union as a champion of equality and international unity. Despite its propagandistic intent, the poster resonates as a timeless reminder of the universal struggle against racism and systemic violence.

Today, this artwork stands as a historical artifact, reflecting the geopolitical tensions and ideological battles of its time, as well as the enduring fight for racial justice worldwide. V. Karakashev’s evocative design continues to serve as a sobering reminder of the power of art to confront injustice and provoke change.

Original Poster

Politics - USSR - Cold War - Russia

Good condition, slight traces of folds