"Say yous fellows, come take a Turkish Bath," from the Terrors of America set (N136) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888 - 1889

"Say yous fellows, come take a Turkish Bath" was printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco around the turn of the 20th century. This belongs to a set titled "Terrors of America." The image presents a young boy, gleefully inviting others to join him in what he calls a "Turkish Bath." In this period, racial and ethnic stereotypes were common in advertising, often used to create humorous or demeaning images. The use of colloquial language and the depiction of the boy in what appears to be a less-than-hygienic setting plays into stereotypes about certain groups. These cards were not just advertisements; they were cultural artifacts that both reflected and reinforced societal attitudes. How does this image make you feel, considering the history of its production and consumption? How does it sit with you? Consider how such images might have shaped perceptions and perpetuated prejudices during that time and perhaps even up to our present day.