From the Girls and Children series (N64) promoting Virginia Brights Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1886

This is a promotional trade card for Virginia Brights cigarettes by Allen & Ginter. These cards were popular in the late 19th century, a time when marketing was rapidly evolving, but there was little understanding of addiction or the consequences of smoking. This card from the "Girls and Children" series depicts a young boy dressed in a red jacket and hat, playing a small trumpet. The imagery reflects a deliberate manipulation of childhood innocence to promote a product that we now know is harmful, suggesting a normalization of smoking habits that targeted even the youngest consumers. This reveals uncomfortable truths about consumer culture, and the ethical considerations around advertising. The card reminds us of the importance of examining the historical contexts that have shaped our perceptions and behaviors around products like tobacco.