Background: The GDR appointed agitators to spread its messages in factories, offices, etc. Often, they maintained Wandzeitungen,essentially bulletin boards or “wall newspapers” that contained propaganda, encouragement and news. To provide them with material, the Socialist Unity Party (SED) provided material they could use. This is from a 1988 edition,. It was tabloid size. Agitators could cut out what was useful and post it along with material specific to their office or factory. The theme of this issue was “Socialist Competition,” the program used to spur workers to higher levels of accomplishment.
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“Progress through Competition: Material on the theme of socialist competition.” The banners from the balloon are “Top Achievement, Quality Award, Good Design, Trade Fair Medal, Best Collective.” |
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Competition: High achievement for the good of the people and for peace — Do everything to realize the decisions of the XI. Party Congress of the SED! |
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The top graphic says “New ideas are wanted. Think, talk, do.” The bottom says: “The best is our standard. Exchanging ideas.” |
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The slogan in red is the standard GDR phrase: “Plan, work and govern together.” Below: “Plan discussion is socialist democracy in action.
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The top chart shows increases in CAD/CAM stations and industrial robots from 1987 to 1988. The bottom cartoon shows a janitor announcing work is over while an enthusiastic worker keeps on working. |
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Sherlock Holmes catches high costs by reading the budget. |
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“Quality begins with thought.” |
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Top: Quality Circle Middle left: No mistakes — are you doing your part? Middle right: Everyone should do quality work bottom: This is he: Our best |
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At the top: “Scientific-technical top work leads to higher productivity and efficiency.” Below: Flexible automated production system “FMS 1000” in operation at the Fritz-Hecker Kombinat. It enabled a 400% increase in productivity, a reduction in time from 8 weeks to two days, and a savings in material of 10% to 20%. |
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“What is that?” “We met our scrap quota by mistake-free production.” [i.e., the containers for defective productions can be thrown away] |
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“Quality is a matter of honor.” “Using computer-controlled testing points at the VEB Maßindustrie Werdau led to improvements in quality and a reduction in defects. |
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Top: Accomplishments of the scientific-technical revolution — to strengthen socialism and for the good of the people. bottom: A water processing system used to produce batteries has saved materials and improved working conditions. |
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Top: Everyone can see it: Good work is worth it!
bottom: A checkup again? I’m working fine! |
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Top: Strength = Time-savings bottom: My workplace: My battleground for peace. |
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Top: Rationalization with, by and for us bottom: Fully automatic ironing maches make the work easier. The introduction of new technology always improves working and living conditions. This is a goal of socialist competition. |
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14% more high quality tools than in 1987 for home and abroad — the goal of the workers at a Magdeburg factory. High daily accomplishments in meeting and exceeding the 1988 plan. Our Contribution: [To be filled in] |
[Page copyright © 1998 by Randall Bytwerk. No unauthorized reproduction. My e-mail address is available on the FAQ page.]
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