Seeing the poster of Gary Cooper holding a Solidarity ballot and wearing their badge had to incite something within the minds and hearts of the Polish masses. Here was a man that looked determined and was ready for a showdown regardless of the consequences. The idea that the image is trying to display seems to be one that wouldn’t be in the same city let alone sitting on the other side of the table. The representation of America and it’s pluralistic ideals in contrast to what is known of the totalitarian regime of Polish Communist Party is incredibly strong for something that looks so simple and plain. Just a man walking somewhere with an item in his hand and something pinned to his chest. The impact that the Solidarity movement had on Poland, both the people and the regime, is easily seen by the elections of June 4, 1989. The avalanche of a landslide gave way to a completely new way of life for the people of Poland. It also showed that even through continual crackdowns and oppression, the regime could not quench the peoples thirst for major reform. To me, this poster is an excellent depiction of that much desired change.

Thomas Sarnecki, “Solidarity Poster  – “High Noon 4 June 1989″,” Making the History of 1989, Item #699, http://chnm.gmu.edu/1989/items/show/699 (accessed January 28 2014, 9:28 pm).