---
title: '"The key!!"'
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/us-owi-alston-the-key-1943/
description: A drawn arm labelled 'Negro war worker' holds a large key, its teeth inscribed with words, in the lock of a door marked 'Post war security'.
section: Collection
---

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3. "The key!!"

[!["The key!!", 1943 US cartoon: A drawn arm labelled 'Negro war worker' holds a large key, its teeth inscribed with words](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/us-owi-alston-the-key-1943.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/us-owi-alston-the-key-1943.jpg)

# "The key!!"

A drawn arm labelled 'Negro war worker' holds a large key, its teeth inscribed with words, in the lock of a door marked 'Post war security'. The tell is a single abstract promise ('post war security') presented as attainable through wartime work, with the worker's labour as the key.

## Propaganda techniques used in this cartoon

[Glittering generalities](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/glittering-generalities/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
POST WAR
SECURITY

NEGRO
WAR WORKER

Alston
OWI

"THE KEY!!"

(Lettering on the key's teeth is not legible.)
```

[← "That won't stop us - we'll be back!!"](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/us-owi-alston-that-wont-stop-us-1943/) ["They Also Serve!" No. II →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/us-owi-alston-they-also-serve-no-ii-1943/)

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