p. 13 | The Picture Post-Card by Jessie C. Dorsey

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 19, 1908

The Picture Post-Card

By Jessie C. Dorsey

JESSIE C. DORSEY

MANY of the evils of this world are the perversions of things good in themselves. Satan is busy adulterating the pure, misrepresenting the honest, demoralizing the upright, misleading the innocent, ridiculing the sincere, and in every way possible trying to destroy all that is good in man.

Among his latest efforts to pervert, is the use he is making of the post-card. Some thoughtful person a few years ago conceived the idea of communicating with friends by means of the picture card representing some of the scenes in various parts of the world, specimens of God's handiwork, places of historical interest. These were pleasing to the receiver, and convenient to the sender. After a time the post-card took the form of an innocent rebus. Some sentiment was expressed by picture objects to which the writer need only affix his name. These have now taken on a ruder and coarser form until the post-card has become the means of the lowest suggestions in crime and vice. The many God-given virtues are thus represented in a most degrading light. Parents and home, churches and schools, are held up to the ridicule of the young people and children.

Many of these cards are actually obscene, vulgar, and profane, but instead of receiving the treatment they merit, they are greeted with laughter and applause. Have we not many times felt the blood of shame rise to our faces as we have turned in disgust from the well-filled card-racks of the drug and book stores, news stands, show-windows, and even grocery counters where the post-cards are displayed? Suggestions of the lowest thoughts are to be found on these post-cards. There is a demand, and a growing demand, for them. They are exchanged between men and women, boys and girls, and even the little ones find delight in their gay colors. Thus is springing up an education of the baser sort, that is finding ready pupils among both old and young, and doing its destructive work everywhere.

It may seem to some like a small thing, but I feel alarmed for the children and young people, who are so susceptible to influence silent or otherwise. Pictures can do a great deal in the molding of character, and conditions can be brought about which will result in the eternal loss of souls. Herein is another demand for the earnest vigilance of mothers.

Denmark, S. C.