Flappers, Petters, and Neckers
Though historians are likely to dismiss the 1920s as lacking the fascinating complexity of the later Depression Era 30s, I’ll always be fascinated by the social events and movements of the "Roaring 20s." Here’s a couple of writings from the day addressing the woman of the 20s and her new-found freedoms.

Virgin Spanking the Christ Child
Max Ernst was instrumental in starting the Dada movement in his native Cologne before moving to Paris to influence the evolution of Surrealism. One thing all his works have in common is an unlimited imagination which often manifests itself with an eerie touch of the bizarre. Humor often plays a role in his paintings, and like his imagination – often dark or sarcastic. Here is a seldom talked about work that not only revels his impish humor, but also a typical Surrealist twist of imagery.

The New "Art"
" It will be just fantastic when all the worms start crawling about in the rotting meat... Good art ought to stink a bit." This quote pretty much says it all, but if you want more read on...

Humor in Nazi Germany
Humor is a great reflection of who we are, and as societies change so too their humor. Just look at what your parents laughed at growing up and how very different that is from the current generation. Not just a form of entertainment, humor often serves as a relief valve when tension becomes unbearable. Ever notice a well placed joke, or humorous quip at just the right moment puts a heretofore tense group at ease? Witness a politician under heat respond with a strategic joke as a weapon to deflect criticism. Centuries from now, will "Monica jokes" be a better reflection of how we as a society dealt with the White House scandals than the voluminous press releases?
So what of  Nazi Germany? What can be learned from the jokes making the rounds during Germany’s darkest years. To quote Richard Grunberger, "when totalitarianism blights every manifestation of thought except humor it causes political jokes to flower like long-rooted weeds tapping springs of imagination and wit that are denied their natural outlets." What follows are a few of the actual jokes circulated during Hitler’s reign of the Third Reich. Keep in mind, the penalty for anti-Hitler jokes was death.