White text over a red background. 

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Blue text over a tan background, with blue and purple triangle shapes to the right of "The Lines." 

“I color outside the lines” is a common idiom in English that means that one behaves in creative or unconventional ways, or in a manner that does not conform to the set rules. It directly references children’s coloring books and children who color in the line drawings in a unconventional and creative ways. Some other similar expressions include: “think outside the box,” “break the mold,” “carve your own path,” and “march to the beat of your own drum.”

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

Derogatorily calling someone who is considered dirty, greedy, gluttonous, rude, or generally unpleasant a "pig" has been documented for centuries throughout languages and cultures. By the 20th century, the term had become an established insult in the English language.  

Johnson Smith & Company began in Chicago, Illinois in 1914 as a mail-order novelty and gag gift supplier, settling in Racine, Wisconsin in 1926. Johnson Smith & Co. or Johnson Smith Company sold an array of toys including pinback buttons with suggestive slogans meant as ice breakers.  Their 1929 catalogue touts, “These Buttons provide subjects for pleasant jokes and amusing conversations, and thus smooth the way to a more familiar acquaintance and cordial friendship. They are very wittily worded and quite unobjectionable. Wear one and see the effect.”

Black text and illustration on a green background.

“Cinco de Septiembre” meaning  means “September Fifth” in Spanish and, given the curl text, the date seen here likely probably refers to someone named Simone’s first birthday. The date is accompanied by a fleur-de-lis. "Fleur-de-lis", meaning "flower of the lily" in French, is a common decorative design that originated in late-medieval France.

Mix of green and red text over a tan background, except for "SAFETY" which is tan over a green rectangle in the center, with two green crosses on either side. "USE" and "WAYS" are above and below in large red font, but the rest of the words are curved along the top and bottom. 

The Portland Cement Association or PCA is an organization centered on the study and innovation of American cement manufacturing. Founded in 1916, the PCA has been involved in various efforts regarding cement for over a century. One area with which the association is particularly concerned is cement safety. The PCA seeks to promote educated and safe cement work through efforts such as their annual Safety Innovation Awards, as well as general information resources. 

White and yellow text on a green background.

Washington Federal is a banking company initially founded as Ballard Savings and Loan in Ballard, Washington, in April 1917. In 1958, the bank merged with the Washington Federal Savings and Loan Association of Bothell. The Seattle-based bank rebranded as WaFd, a common nickname used for Washington Federal, starting in 2019. WaFd provides “one-on-one, friendly, and professional service” in personal and business banking. WaFd has specialized divisions in government, agribusiness, and senior housing. They are the 63rd largest bank in the United States, with over 200 offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Black text over a green background. "DO IT" and "STREET" are curved along the top and bottom. A metallic object juts out of the bottom left of the button. 

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White text over a red background. 

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Dark green text over a light green background. The border is lined with a dark green spike pattern design. 

The phrase seen here is a tongue in cheek reference to the historical mistreatment of both whales and indigenous Americans by the United States government. Whaling entered its “Golden Age” after the War of 1812 to support the production of oil. When whaling hit its peak during the 1960s, the industry in the United States hunted 80,000 whales a year and nearly drove whale species' to extinction. Native Americans were met with discrimination and manipulation of their history in an attempt to justify the U.S. government’s actions. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was the legalized, forced relocation of Native Americans to make way for westward expansion. The Indian Self-Determination Act of 1975 gave Native Americans more independence and authority on tribal land. However, their lack of authority over non-tribal members continues to be an ongoing issue, especially regarding hate crimes committed against members of indigenous communities.  

Greyscale photograph of a smiling baby over a red and white checkerboard patterned background. At the bottom the white text is curled over a red background. 

Purina is a brand of animal food that has been commercially produced since 1926, when they opened a research farm in Gray Summit, MO. The brand focuses on using science to formulate pet food that helps dogs and cats live longer and healthier lives. Purina has food made for weight loss, healthy coats, digestive health, and food specified by dog age and size. Over 90 years later, many pet owners continue to feed their pets Purina brand food. While the brand has food for many different diets, there is no history of them having a chow specifically for pit bull breeds. 
“Pit bulls” are not actually a singular breed, but lots of different breeds. Some of the breeds that go by the name “pit bull” include Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Bullies, and even American Bull Dogs! Most commonly, the term is used to refer to American Pit Bull Terriers. American Pit Bull Terriers are known to be very smart, affectionate companions. Their history as dogs who have been bred as bear-baiters and dog fighters, in combination with selective media reporting, has earned these dogs a reputation for attacking children. It is likely that this stereotype is what this button is referencing. While “pit bulls” are noted by the CDC in 2018 to have been the dog responsible for the most dog attacks and deaths, advocates of these breeds emphasize the importance of good training and ownership to make sure these dogs live out nonviolent and fulfilling lives.