Communication Professor Featured in Netflix WWII Documentary
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
The Road to Victory series spans ten parts and features episodes dedicated to deciding moments in the War's history from Dunkirk to Okinawa. It contains commentary from a great many scholars and historians, showcasing what has been referred to as "a monumental and international effort." Kimble was approached as a contributor to provide insight into the battles of the Pacific Theater. As such, his contributions can be found in the latter half of the series.
The use of colorized footage is somewhat debated among film scholars, with some arguing that it may be considered a form of "artistic vandalism.” Kimble himself takes a neutral stance on the matter within the context of historical documentary. He believes that because there is an audience for it, this may belie a sense of connection strengthened by the colorization. "Are they learning or understanding in a stronger way? It would be interesting to do a study on that question, but I imagine that at least a few people are," muses Kimble. "I would agree that for some of the imagery, the color adds a more visceral impact, if only because we so rarely see WWII-era moving pictures in this way."
Kimble is renowned as a historian of propaganda and was drawn to the study of this type of media because of its visceral impact. He notes that propaganda goes above and beyond political speech, drawing on deeper notions of persuasion and human experience. In the context of WWII and the Pacific Theater, propaganda was utilized to keep war efforts going.
Kimble addresses this notion of "keeping up efforts" in the series. In an interview for this article, Kimble spoke about it further as a major takeaway. "When people are tired of war — burnt out from buying war bonds and doing their part for manufacturing and giving up their time and efforts to focus on what they can do for the war front — how do you keep them going?" He posits that war, and this burnout, acts as a challenge which demands to be responded to.
He further paralleled this feeling of "falling effort" to feelings many have been subject to throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. "Many people feel stretched beyond their limits," Kimble asserts, but still efforts must be made to protect those around us, and albeit on a different level, sacrifices to be made and a need to keep up morale in a pandemic that has worn on for two years now and counting. He also notes, and has noted in an article for The Washington Post, that there are messaging lessons from WWII applicable to the battle against Covid.
Kimble concluded the interview with parting words of gratitude for his involvement, saying, "It's an honor to be part of such a high-level international project. Being recognized as a relevant scholar for this work speaks well of Seton Hall and its support and standing as an institution."
About the College of Communication and the Arts
Seton Hall University's College of Communication and the Arts offers diverse, flexible undergraduate programs anchored in the humanities, featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative curricula,
and provides opportunities for meaningful collaboration across disciplines. Students
can explore emerging technologies as well as learn from industry professionals about
the latest trends in the ongoing digital revolution that is affecting communication
and arts' industries. For more information about the College's undergraduate programs,
please contact Amanda Carcione.
The College also offers graduate-level programs in Museum Professions and Communication, including the opportunity to pursue a unique area of study, including options in Public Relations, Digital Communication/Communication Technologies, and Communication in Organizations. In addition, four dual-degree options, including three accelerated master's/B.A. programs and a dual M.A. degree with the School of Diplomacy and International Relations are offered. For more information about Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts, please contact Ryan Hudes, Ph.D.
Categories: Nation and World
