October 2nd, 2005 -- by Bacchus
Torturing Women In Prison
This poster dates from the days of the women’s suffrage movement in Britain, and was published by an outfit called the National Women’s Social and Political Union at a time when prominent imprisoned suffragettes were being force fed in prison to defeat their hunger strike.
Ironic (to modern sensibilities, anyway) to see sensationalist imagery of the mistreatment of women being used to promote a progressive cause. At least the take-away message (“Vote Against The Government”) is good advice for any era.
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What’s that poster on the wall behind her? Not an eye chart.. is that the masonic symbol at the top-center?
Brett, it’s not masonic, it is a Royal emblem: you’ll see an E and an R with a royal coat of arms between them heading the top of the poster.
Not being a Monarchist (or up to date with my latin), I cannot tell you what the letters stand for (anyone else care to explain?) but I figure given the historical context, it would represent the current (at the time) King Edward’s stamp of authority on the prison service, ie. “the prisoner is held under this jurisdiction at his Majesty’s pleasure”
Nice poster Bacchus, where on earth did you find it?
in Elizabeth I’s era, it meant Elizabeth Regina (Elizabeth the Queen). I’m sure it was the same with Edward (Edward Rex).
It’s actually not that sensationalistic. Women on a hunger strike WERE force fed until they vomited in the Occuquan Women’s Workhouse after being arrested protesting outside the White House during the american suffrage movement. In the long run, the bad press about it helped get women the vote.
Fabulous poster!
And yes, I also particularly like the
“vote against the government caption!”
good
good
There was just such a scene in the film “Iron Jawed Angels”, starring Hilary Swank. I presume that’s how the movie’s title came about…
Not a chance of Elizabeth I. More like 400 years later. The clothing are all wrong. It is set probably in Edward’s reign.