Football, "Oh my Shin," from the Terrors of America set (N136) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888 - 1889

This small lithograph was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around 1888 as a promotional item for Honest Long Cut Tobacco. It’s part of a series called "Terrors of America," and here we see a mishap from the football field titled, “Oh my Shin.” These cards were distributed during a time of rapid industrialization and burgeoning consumer culture. Tobacco companies used these cards to build brand loyalty, offering glimpses into contemporary life and, in this case, the growing popularity of sports. Look closely at the boy’s face. What does it mean to portray this moment of pain and vulnerability in what was essentially an advertisement? And how does it play into the larger narrative of early American sporting culture? Consider the emotional appeal of this image. It speaks to the everyday struggles and mishaps that are part of the human experience. Even in a promotional item, there's a recognition of the body's fragility. It challenges the traditional image of the invincible athlete.