Buttons have been used around the world to allow people to personally promote/advertise their political affiliations.  Before socia

Buttons have been used around the world to allow people to personally promote/advertise their political affiliations.  Before social media, t-shirts, and bumper stickers, pin-back buttons were the economical means of choice  –  of self-expression for the common man.  Specially made buttons, and lapel pins, had been used for centuries to promote and identify with issues.  In the 1890’s they evolved into the pin-back buttons we know today. First used for political campaigns, they spread to causes, social issues, commercial products, institutions, and entertainment. 

“Jewish” buttons proliferated in the 1960’s. The cause of oppressed Russian Jewry inspired dozens of varieties.  As ethnic groups promoted themselves, Jewish identity buttons became popular.  Jews already had a history of political affiliation.  Soon schools and youth groups joined in.  And Israel became a popular theme.  Buttons remain a popular means of self-expression.

l media, t-shirts, and bumper stickers, pin-back buttons were the economical means of choice  –  of self-expression for the common man.  Specially made buttons, and lapel pins, had been used for centuries to promote and identify with issues.  In the 1890’s they evolved into the pin-back buttons we know today. First used for political campaigns, they spread to causes, social issues, commercial products, institutions, and entertainment. 

“Jewish” buttons proliferated in the 1960’s. The cause of oppressed Russian Jewry inspired dozens of varieties.  As ethnic groups promoted themselves, Jewish identity buttons became popular.  Jews already had a history of political affiliation.  Soon schools and youth groups joined in.  And Israel became a popular theme.  Buttons remain a popular means of self-expression.