The Moratorium lives

Places
Accession Number ARTV03114
Collection type Art
Measurement Overall: 38 x 25.4 cm
Object type Poster
Physical description screenprint on paper
Maker Unknown
[AUSTRALIA : S.N., N.D.]
Place made Australia
Date made c 1971
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright unknown

Description

The Moratorium protests attracted Australians from all walks of life. While there was the common perception in mainstream media that those fighting against the war were themselves communists, in many instances this was not the case. Many groups such as mothers, teachers, academics, and students all played significant roles in the protests.
The Moratorium stated that all actions taken by its members and supporters should be of a non-violent nature and this philosophy was extended throughout Australia through various state committees and others.
The v-shaped fingers in the background in the background speaks to this idea of peaceful protests. This symbol was first introduced by Winston Churchill in the Second World War, representing victory. This symbol was appropriated by Vietnam War protestors beginning in America and then coming to Australia. Today it is universally recognised as a symbol of peace.

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