Sepia-toned photograph of a woman with her hair up wearing pearls and dressed in turn-of-the-20th-century attire with off-white text below

The Century of Progress was a world’s fair exposition that took place in Chicago, Illinois in 1933-1934. The exposition featured a variety of new technologies and products aimed at showcasing America’s modern innovations while stimulating the struggling economy of the Great Depression. A number of special events were held during the fair, one of which was Netherlands Day, August 31, 1933. Among others were California Day, Swiss Day, German Day, and various showcases and interactive activities, from Golf driving contests to electrical shows. 

White and black text on a pink background

On April 25, 2004 people marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. to advocate for reproductive rights. An estimated 1.3 million people attended the march and rally, which included reproductive rights organizations such as Planned Parenthood Federation of American and NARAL Pro-Choice America, and figures including Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, senator Hillary Clinton, and celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg and Ashley Judd. The event was prompted by concerns over rollback of abortion rights under President George W. Bush and his stance that international funding would not be provided to agencies around the world that offer abortion services.

Black and white photo of a child's face in the center of the button surrounded by white text on a red border. 

Red rim with a color illustration of Samwise from the Lord of the Rings in the center and a brown scroll with black lettering below

Samwise Gamgee is a character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy of books, and serves as the main character Frodo’s companion. When we first meet Sam, he’s a humble gardener, but through the travels on their epic adventure he proves to be an invaluable friend to Frodo.

In 1978 director Ralph Bakshi adapted part of Tolkien’s work into a n animated film. However, the film only contains the story to the first book and half of the second of the trilogy, and planned sequels to tell the rest of the story were never completed.

Superimposed red single-tone photographs of Kennedy and Nixon with red text above on a yellow background

Black and gray photograph of Huey Newton surrounded by black text on a blue background

Color image of a jester wearing a red cap and a blue cape gesturing to an ornate building behind him; fireworks are shooting off above the building

The figure in the foreground is dressed as a “court jester,” a staple employee in medieval royal courts. The traditional costume of a jester included a pointed hat, or one with animal ears, adorned with bells. Sporting a silly grin, the jester would be a master of wit, and the only person in a court who could criticize and mock the aristocracy without penalization. The jester’s position within the court would give them close access to the king and other high ranking members.

In the picture, the jester is pointing to the building behind him by using just his thumb. This sort of behavior is a “gesture,” a movement of the body to convey an idea. Another example of a gesture is waving a hand at someone as a nonvocal means of saying hello. Many societies have hand gestures which can be read as an insult to the receiver. To give a “thumbs up” is a sign of approval, while the “thumbs down” demonstrates rejection or disapproval. This thumb gesture can be traced back to Ancient Rome, and has been carried through to the 21st century by being translated into emoji.

So the art on the button demonstrates a clever play on words: a jester gestures.

Button is divided in half: red background with white text above and blue and white vertical stripes on the bottom half. A white oblong shape with red text and three interlocking circles is on the striped background.

Brown text on a yellow background

Red button with black text and black image of an open checkbook. 

A share draft account is similar to a checking account at a for-profit bank, but operated by credit unions. Profit generated by a credit union is distributed among its members, representing a “share.” This represents the member’s portion of ownership in the credit union. At a for-profit bank, private investors collect the profits.