4/25/2013 22 Comments Are We Next?It’s been many years since I published this, my first poster, in 1965. That’s when my friend Richard Fahrner and I would listen to the depressing news about the escalating ‘Viet Nam War’ while on our way to work at Contact Printing in San Francisco. We didn’t like to hear how our America was getting ever deeper into the deadly quagmire of far off Viet Nam’s civil war. One morning while driving to work I suddenly visualized a jarring poster idea – our flag superimposed with a nazi-style swastika. So shocking it was instantly instructive! Richard was enthused too so after some more discussion among other friends as well I then went on to create this intentionally disturbing self published poster.
When I first laid it out and took it to West Coast Lithograph to have it printed; I showed it first to Ivor Powell, the jocular, quick witted English pressman – a man who enjoyed sharing his opinions. When he looked at my design his usual smile faded fast and he said something like this: ‘Wow - Wes you’d better add something else - like maybe “Are We Next?” – or most people just won’t get it!’ My original design contained only the words “Be Aware. However it didn’t take long for me to realize that Ivor had made a very important point. So after those words were added to the artwork I had several hundred posters printed. I then distributed and sold many of them to appreciative Bay Area folks. Back in 1965 when the official U. S. commitment was to further expand the American military role in the ‘police action’ of South Viet Nam I felt it was an important question – and had to be asked. I’m glad I did something to significantly express my shock and anguish as an American about such an obviously erroneous and costly ethical ‘mistake’ as was the Viet Nam War. Today however we have been attacked by ultra-cunning and ruthless terrorists and in response to that horribly destructive day our government was forced to suddenly power up our national security agencies like never before. However, the ‘facts’ about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, that were so widely believed, have now been wholly discredited for all to see. Because of that ‘mistake’ we too rapidly invaded Iraq without thoroughly working out both a military plan and the fuller use of the many normal diplomatic protocols which are so useful in less stressful times such as was done prior to the Gulf War. Such haste has also raised ‘constitutional issues’ about “rights” here at home. Because more practical protocols as well as United Nations involvement were employed and respected by the first President Bush – we gathered a whole spectrum of willing allies who come to our aid in freeing Kuwait using multinational forces. Consequently, due in large part to ‘haste makes waste’ we are now deeply involved in the wasteful horrors of another costly ‘mistake’ - the current Iraq War. However, despite not yet knowing fully just how this all could have happened – we are at war inside Iraq. The Iraq situation is different from Viet Nam and we should strive to leave in grace and avoid the ‘dropping everything and running.’ It seems to me that since we don’t know just how all ‘this difficulty’ came about - the question “Are We Next?” still applies. And, as it relates to continuing the grand open and fair ideals plus continuing on in the hopes and practices of our Democratic Republic – this notable admonition continues for all Americans as well - “Be Aware!”
22 Comments
I had this poster on my wall when I was a teenager — and I was looking for the image of it on Google because I wanted to mention it in a post I'm writing about the issue of religious extremism and American fascism. I didn't know when looking for the image that I would find the man who created it and his own blog. So I want to thank you for your work. And I believe, as you yourself write, this poster is as relevant today (if not more so) as it was when you first created it.
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6/17/2016 06:06:39 pm
hi wes, what a great story. not sure if im a fan of andy's, but truly a fan of yours. sounds like you stepped up and handled his crew rather aptly. hope all is well. managed to track down bg-053 from the vault this week. my collection is growing as is my respect for you and your stunning posters. hope all is well and let me know if your visiting southern california any time soon. js
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Bryan Wallace
7/3/2016 08:49:52 am
I had this poster! Back in the late 60's. Loved it! Rings true to present day. It's on the way if we are not careful and ever watchful.
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Steven Savitsky
11/9/2016 10:32:22 am
Was really hoping we'd have no need to pull out this brilliant piece again, but here we are... First saw it a 60's photo book, always loved it, and almost made copies to give out around the 2004 election... So is it time to reprint this now?
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P.Rigney
11/27/2016 10:22:25 pm
I had this poster up during the Bush years, it inspired me to do a piece i called Four more years - Our worst fears. After getting through the Bush years i didn't feel the need to have such a striking warning on my wall anymore. Now, unfortunately, i have had to pull Be Aware out of its hibernation. It gives me shudders to see how close the extreme right is to the center of power, and your poster is as topical as it ever was. Be aware!
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12/17/2016 12:46:36 am
I am truly delighted to glance at this blog posts which includes plenty
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dan mittendorf
2/5/2017 05:30:33 pm
Today your poster has more relevance than ever, our current political climate is frightening. I'm pulling my copy and placing it in my window.
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2/12/2017 10:39:14 pm
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11/11/2017 05:31:38 am
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for providing these details.
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11/11/2017 05:31:51 am
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for providing these details.
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Ceri
12/4/2017 05:34:40 am
More relevant than ever.
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TIMOTHY T LOWE
3/19/2018 01:20:40 am
I love your work. And this poster is amazing.
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Jaguarcita
3/16/2019 01:59:49 pm
More pertinent than ever.
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Carolyn Saus Balogh
8/12/2019 09:42:32 am
Wes,
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Mike McGinness
7/28/2020 05:21:51 pm
Hi I had a copy of this poster in 1969, my mom threw it out, can I still get a copy today?? Thanks, hey wheres your mask??
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Liberty
10/30/2021 10:04:05 am
This poster is meant to warn against people like you! "Where's The Mask?" Indeed. Oh the irony. Contemplating a purchase of this. Leftism is Fascism. Be a good soldier, wear your mask or no soup for you.
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Fran Miles
11/29/2023 06:04:44 pm
It’s our destiny if Trump is elected!! Defeat Donald “Hitler” Trump!!!
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Jim Urban
7/21/2024 06:07:44 pm
Thanks for this one Wes. I just bought your reprint today because of what is happening to our Democracy and rule of law.
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