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Two ragged street women disgust respectability
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Two ragged street women disgust respectability
In the Bars and Streets. Cartoon drawing by Phil May depicting two poor ragged street women disgusting another who they describe, with no hint of the obvious irony, as " not respectable". " If I wos you I wouldn t ave nothing to do with Mrs Smith; I think she ain t respectable." !! Date: circa 1890s
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Media ID 11574807
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Beggars Chat Chats Chatting Comment Commentary Discuss Drunk Drunken Gossip Gossiping Gossips Harsh Ironic Irony Phil Poor Poverty Rags Reality Respectable Vagrants Respectability
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Discussing Disrespectability: A Harsh Reality of London's Streets in the 1890s" In this evocative and ironic cartoon drawing by Phil May, two ragged and downtrodden women, clad in tattered clothes and haggard expressions, engage in a heated discussion on the concept of respectability. The scene, set amidst the gritty backdrop of London's streets in the late 1890s, is a poignant commentary on the harsh realities of poverty and social class during this era. The women, with their disheveled appearances and weary eyes, are far from the epitome of respectability. Yet, they feel compelled to pass judgment on another woman, Mrs. Smith, whom they deem "not respectable." The irony of their situation is palpable, as they sit on the very streets they call home, their own lack of respectability on full display. The women's gossipy chatter, filled with disdain and judgment, underscores the pervasive nature of social hierarchies and the importance of adhering to societal norms, even in the most desperate of circumstances. The image serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by the working class during this period, and the complex ways in which people navigated issues of respectability and social status. Phil May's masterful use of line and detail in this cartoon drawing brings the scene to life, transporting us back in time to the bustling streets of London and the intricate web of social dynamics that defined the era. The image offers a valuable historical perspective on the complexities of poverty, social class, and the human condition, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of London and the Victorian era.
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