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Comic postcard, Temperance argument for water, not beer Date: 20th century
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Comic postcard, Temperance argument for water, not beer Date: 20th century
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Media ID 23457434
© The Donald McGill Archive Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Alcohol Aristocrat Beer Campaign Campaigning Donald Mcgill Persuasion Pint Ridicule Satire Satirical Tankard Temperance Verbal Upper
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A Hilarious Take on the Temperance Movement: A 20th Century Comic Postcard This delightful comic postcard, hailing from the 20th century, showcases a humorous argument for the Temperance campaign, advocating for water over beer. The scene is set with two elegantly dressed men, one from the working class, holding a tankard of beer and a pint glass, while the other, an aristocrat, dons a top hat and offers him a glass of water. The caption above the image reads, "Why not have a drink?" to which the aristocrat replies, "I'd rather have a drink of water, thank you." The working-class man, taken aback, asks, "But why?" The aristocrat retorts, "Because I'm not a donkey!" This satirical comic postcard is a brilliant example of the Temperance movement's persuasive tactics, which often relied on humor and verbal ridicule to sway public opinion. The use of a top hat and a donkey reference is a clever way to poke fun at the perceived class divide and the notion that working-class men were often portrayed as mindless consumers of alcohol. The image is a testament to the power of satire in shaping public discourse and raising awareness about important social issues, such as alcohol consumption and the Temperance movement. This charming postcard is a fun and lighthearted reminder of a bygone era and the creative ways in which people used humor to engage in important conversations.
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