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. 

Red text over a black background. The red is bleeding off the letters in a sinister way. 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 film that embodies genres such as comedy, horror, and musical. It was created by writers Richard O'Brien (1942-) and Jim Sharman (1945-) and directed by Sharman as well. It is based on the 1973 musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show, which was written by O'Brien, who wanted to combine elements of science fiction and B horror movies and add in a twist of camp.

English actor and singer Timothy James Curry (1946-) stars in the film as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist who welcomes the troubled and newly engaged couple Janet Weiss and Brad Majors, played by Susan Sarandon (1946-) and Barry Bostwick (1945-), into his bizarre castle, where strange events occur for the duration of their stay.

When first released, critics and reviewers were quick to note that the film was not a success or worthy of attention because of its campy qualities or what they deemed as a pointless plot. It has since gained a passionate and global cult following that saw the film break records as the longest continually running movie release of all time and gross over $170 million worldwide. In 2005, the United States Library of Congress deemed the film as culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant by selecting it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Black text over an orange background. 

"Dawn's Patrol" was a comic strip series featured in the British girl's magazine Judy from 1968-70. The series follows girl scout leader Dawn Martin and her friends as they overcome difficult situations. Judy often offered free accessories to readers, and this button allowed wearers to feel that they were a part of Dawn's thrilling adventures.

Yellow text over a black background. A Yellow and black semi-circle pattern lines the rim. 

The slogan “ban soap” imitates the protest language that was popular on buttons in the 1960s and 1970s. Slogans like “Ban the Bomb” used the word “ban” to demand serious change, while novelty buttons like this borrowed the same style for humor. Buttons were a common form of self-expression in this era and were used in both political movements and the counterculture to challenge mainstream values. A phrase like “ban soap” is a form of satire on that protest culture, reflecting the playful and subversive spirit of the time.

Dark purple cursive text on light purple background

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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.”

The phrase "Looking for a nut" emerged in the early 20th century as part of a trend in male humor that embraced playful, and somewhat lewd, innuendos and double entendres. 

Black text and illustration on white background with red and white checkerboard edge

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.

Comic Motto Buttons, as they became known sometime in the 1940s (previously known as Comic Celluloid Buttons), hailed from Johnson Smith & Co. catalogues and became popular in the early to mid-20th century. Recognized by their iconic checkered border and featuring salacious slogans and witty banter, the catalogue promised, “Get acquainted – wear these comic celluloid buttons. Slip one or two of these buttons on your lapel and then wait for the wisecracks to begin. The girls get lots of fun out of them. At parties, you break the ice right from the start. Just give one of these to your guest, and it gives the party a flying start.”

The verb "lay" has a long history in English, meaning "to place or put down" something, and also in phrases like "lay an egg". The use of "lay" with a sexual connotation emerged as U.S. slang in the early 20th century. It's likely related to the idea of placing or putting oneself down for sexual activity, as the phrase "to lie with" has an archaic and biblical meaning of intercourse.