Minimalistic black-and-white illustration of a man over a white background. At the top and bottom are red curled text. 

Abbie Hoffman was a political activist, prominent member of the 1960s anti-war and counterculture movements, founder of the Youth International Party (aka the Yippies), and a member of the Chicago Seven. Steal This Book—which was published in 1971 and sold more than 250,000 copies in the first six months of its release— was written as a guide to fighting against the government and corporate interests. The book was embraced by young people, college students, and members of the New Left political movement. Much of the advice Hoffman provides in Steal This Book was drawn from his own experiences with political and social activism. 

"Steal This Button" is a direct reference to Hoffman's book. 

Illustration of Goofy's head over a purple background with green dots. Above is yellow curled text. 

Goofy is one of the original characters from Disney's Mickey Mouse animated cartoons and remains popular today. During his first appearance in the 1932 cartoon Mickey's Revue, he was known as Dippy Dawg. He was re-envisioned later that year as a younger dog, appearing as Goofy for the first time in The Whoopee Party.

Telling someone to, “act their age” typically insinuates that they are behaving in a childish manner. True to Goofy’s character, the message on this button suggests that its okay to be a little goofy, regardless of how old you are.

Photograph of Alice smiling, with red and yellow text to the left. 

The Brady Bunch was an American sitcom which ran from 1969 to 1974. The series follows the blended Brady family as they learn to live under the same roof. The show remains both a pop cultural icon and a site of constant ridicule in its depiction of the American family.

Alice Nelson is the zany but lovable maid of the Brady household. With her quick wit and bizarre hobbies, she is the main comic relief of the show.

White text over a black background. 

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Blue text on an orange background with white, red, and blue ribbons and white elephant fob.

The 98th New York State Fair of 1938 boasted not only nationally known entertainment acts such as Guy Lombardo, Tommy Dorsey, and Ted Healy’s Three Stooges, but also had, “numerous new features designed to attract urbanites and the younger element.” Included in these were a new dance contest, a fashion show, and a series of evening dances held in the Coliseum, where, “an excellent terrazzo floor has just been laid.”

Color illustration and text with blue ribbon and white elephant fob

Elephant rides were once a sight at State Fairs country-wide, allowing children an up close view of the giant animal. In 1929, the children of Iowa raised $1000 in nickels and dimes to sponsor an elephant of their own to join the Iowa State Fair, and thousands witnessed the arrival of “Baby Mine.” Today, the rides are being phased out as more awareness has been raised of the nature of the elephant and the cruelty of their captivity.

Blue text and illustration on a white background with a blue border

The camel has long been used as a symbol for temperance and sobriety. Examples of the symbol can be found throughout history and the world. Appearances of the camel representing temperance can be found in 400 year old frescos painted by Domenico Zampieri in Italy, in African handicrafts and artwork, and as the logo for the American Prohibition Party. The camel was chosen for its ability to go several days without a drink and, when it does finally drink, it consumes water. 

While the camel has long represented temperance and remains the symbol of the national Prohibition Party as of 2024, the image of the camel was also adopted by many breweries and anti-prohibitionists. Camels can be found on vintage beer cans and packaging for other items, such as malt syrup for “home baking”. The phrase “A camel can go eight days without a drink, but who wants to be a camel?” can be found on anti-prohibitionist memorabilia such as postcards, beer steins, and buttons.

Colorful text over a black background. The letters are jumbled and alternate between purple, green, yellow, blue, and orange. 

The Beatles were an English rock band that formed in Liverpool in 1960. With four members - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - they became widely regarded as the greatest and most influential act of the rock era. The Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over a three-year period from 1960. They gained popularity in the United Kingdom after their first hit, "Love Me Do", in late 1962. 

“Beatlemania” grew in Britain over the following year, and by early 1964 they had become international stars, leading the "British Invasion" of the United States pop market.

Band members posing against a wall wearing yellow, black, and grey, with red text at the botton. The photograph background is grey, while the rest is black. 

Guy was a New Edition inspired R&B band that formed in the late 1980s. The band members originally included Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Timmy Gatling, the latter of whom was later replaced with Aaron Hall’s brother, Damion. The band enjoyed some success with their first two albums, both of which became platinum hits. However, their biggest success was with their 1999 Billboard charting song, “Dancin.” 

The group quickly disbanded shortly after their big hit. After the band split, Riley went on to form another well-known 90s R&B band – Blackstreet. 

White text and orange cat over a blue background. The cat has its paws on a table/desk, and is glaring angrily at the viewer. 

Sandra Boynton began her career as an illustrator designing greeting cards for Recycled Paper Greetings in the 1970s. In the 1980s, Recycled Paper was selling 50 to 80 million Boynton cards each year. Boynton wrote her first book, Hippos Go Berserk, in 1977 and has since written and illustrated more than 50 books for children and adults. Boynton also designs characters and animals for companies to use instead of licensing her illustrations to be adapted. Her creations can be found on calendars, buttons, clothing, wrapping paper, and other items.

The illustration on this button is indicative of Boynton’s sarcastic and satirical style, as her grumpy feline character adds a petulant twist to a common farewell.