Final answer:
The 1954 propaganda image suggests that Chairman Mao is the source of happiness and prosperity in China. It portrays various societal groups united by admiration for Mao and his teachings, symbolized by the Little Red Book.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central message of the 1954 image captioned “Chairman Mao gives us a happy life” is rooted in the promotion of Mao Zedong as a benevolent and transformative leader whose ideologies and guidance are the sources of joy and prosperity for the Chinese people.
The image likely depicts Mao surrounded by diverse groups of society including peasants, workers, soldiers, and students - all united by their common allegiance to Mao's teachings, as symbolized by the Little Red Book, which is a physical representation of his philosophy and reign.
By depicting these groups following Mao and exhibiting optimism and gratitude, the image communicates the message that Mao's leadership and communism are the reasons for any positive changes in everyday life. This portrayal aligns with propaganda techniques of the era, which sought to solidify Mao's cult of personality and convince the public of the communist party's successes, largely overlooking the darker aspects of his rule, such as the casualties of the Great Leap Forward.