Many people would say that there are a lot of issues in today's society. Addiction to social media, devaluation of workers, and unhealthy lifestyles are just a few of them. But some people do not even notice these problems; they either ignore them or do not run into them at all. However, artist John Holcroft tackles them head-on and illustrates them in his satirical art. Holcroft works and lives in the UK and has been illustrating since 1996. His past clients include The Guardian, the Telegraph, Times, and the BBC. John Holcroft's art might look simplistic, but it hides a deep and accurate meaning. Keep scrolling to be amazed by how he can portray such serious topics with just one simple illustration.
Make America polluted again
If you look closely, this may look like a strangely familiar hairstyle. But, smoking industrial chimneys might not be recommended because it pollutes the environment. Pollution is a real issue, and there are actions that we can take to reduce our waste.
However, in spite of our individual efforts, it takes a lot of people to make a real difference. Big businesses and corporations play a big part in pollution. So, we should write to our legislators if we want more eco-friendly alternatives and leave a better world for future generations.
The more likes someone gets, the better they feel about themselves
Social media has a tendency to rapidly manipulate our sense of self-worth and self-righteousness. Usually, when people post a new profile picture on social media, there is always some kind of rush since likes generally make people happy, and they also feed their egos.
Therefore, the more likes someone receives, the more satisfied they are with the image they posted. When someone shares a selfie, they usually hope that their crush sees it and likes it. Well, this illustration clearly represents that toxic scenario.
Getting justice seems like a lot of work
Do you remember those mazes on the placemats for kids in restaurants? This is quite similar, but instead of assisting the chicken in returning to its coop, here, we have to help the woman in obtaining justice.
We will need a few lawyers, police officers, tons of time, and a massive stack of papers. It looks like it is a lot of work to get justice. Or at least, we will have to overcome a never-ending list of obstacles.
We can defeat the garbage monster by recycling
In this case, telling the turtle to "just keep swimming" will not be very useful. This garbage monster is on its way to wreak havoc on the sea, but it can be stopped. We can all work together to defeat the garbage monster by reducing our waste.
Cleaning up our local beaches would be helpful too. And we can also reduce our use of plastic by bringing our own grocery bags and using reusable cups whenever possible. So, there is no excuse! Everyone can make a difference.
Medical professionals work hard to save lives and should be paid more
This doctor will most likely require more than one coin to work since no one works for free. Although there is a slot to get the money back, it is not operational. Medical professionals work tirelessly to save lives and should be recognized for their efforts.
But many people have the same gut reaction when the idea of paying doctors more for their work is proposed. Why should the wealthy become even wealthier? Unfortunately, this is an instinctual reaction based on a distorted image of today's healthcare providers.
Social media has put literature on the back burner
Some people argue that with all of the various forms of social media we have today, literature might have taken a back seat. Nowadays, people are buying fewer books because there are other cheaper alternatives to get information.
Also, individuals are constantly distracted by social media and cannot devote enough time to a book. So, when people begin reading, they usually become easily distracted by their phones. In this illustration, Holcroft represented the death of literature and each nail is a social media platform.
The modern totem pole at work
When we are the lowest person on the totem pole at work, we might generally bear the brunt of the blame. This means that some days will be easier than others, and we will eventually be able to move up the totem pole.
More often than not, everything flows downhill, as they say, but in many companies today, the hierarchy is beginning to even out, so things can flow sideways. In this image, John perfectly depicted the modern totem pole at work.
Every time people smoke, they might as well be burning money
It does not take a genius to know that smoking is expensive and harms our lungs. Furthermore, cigarette companies usually make the majority of their money by selling quitting methods. What is more, the government earns money from tobacco taxes.
This means that every time people smoke, they are effectively burning money. So, this illustration by John Holcroft accurately depicts this terribly unhealthy scenario and conveys an eye-opening message. And remember, tobacco use is linked to cancer, heart disease, and other health issues.
Which face will you wear today?
Which face will you choose to wear today? Will it be a smile, a frown, or a resting face? There are numerous options to suit our mood on any given day, and this illustrator created this image to describe that ironically.
Some people prefer to wear the same face all day, which is a resting mean face. And some people are good at putting on a happy face, but we never know what they are actually going through. So, remember to always be kind.
Out with college and in with the drive-through window
Today, most entry-level jobs require at least three years of experience. But how is anyone supposed to gain work experience after graduating if no one will give them a chance? Some young adults are forced to turn to fast food jobs in order to make money.
If you are struggling to identify any relevant skills that might be useful and could prepare you for your dream job, you might want to consider interning or volunteering.
Be careful with who you trust online
It is critical to remember that not everyone online is who they appear to be. On the Internet, there are many dangerous people, just as our parents warned us when we were younger. Moreover, not all information found on the web is true.
"Catfishing" is when someone creates a false online profile to defraud people on the Internet. Have you seen that TV show Catfish? It proves that we never know who we are talking to, but we can always call Nev to find out.
When they say “cash crops,” it does not mean trees
Deforestation is the deliberate clearing of forest land, and it has altered landscapes all over the world. Forests have been destroyed throughout history to make way for agriculture and animal grazing, as well as to obtain wood for fuel, manufacturing, and construction.
But this is not what cash crops mean. Deforestation is a major problem for this planet. Forests help to clean the air by providing oxygen to the environment. And unfortunately, our planet is dying as a result of the massive chopping of trees.
Instead of sitting down for dinner, this family is sitting around the WiFi hotspot
It is uncommon to see people eating dinner without their phones. Some people might not be unable to disconnect from technology in order to focus on family time. And this illustration shows that instead of sitting down to eat, people gather around the WiFi hotspot.
It could be considered extremely impolite to sit at a dinner table swiping away on our phones rather than engaging in conversation if we are with friends, relatives, and family. So, next time, put the phone down and show some manners.
Perhaps rising energy bills will be the fix to save the environment
From time to time, we receive our monthly electric bill, and it essentially says, "screw you." But it could actually make people more environmentally conscious. Perhaps rising energy bills will be the solution for saving the environment and addressing the climate change crisis.
So, keep in mind that if the electric bill is twice as high as usual, it is not because we used twice as much power. It is more likely that our utility will charge us more per kilowatt hour for that extra energy.
This is what happens when you discover a new show
Believe it or not, you are sedentary unless you engage in at least 30 minutes of intentional exercise daily. Moreover, activities of daily living, such as shopping, cleaning, watering plants, taking out the trash, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, and gardening, are examples of low-active activities.
People used to be referred to as "couch potatoes," but this term has now been elevated to "being rooted" to the couch. For instance, when you discover a new show with three seasons and more than 20 episodes per season, this is what happens.
Closing gender pay gaps is fundamental
"Soaring, flying, there is not a star in heaven that we cannot reach," all the men in the business world said. However, it is obvious that there is a well-known workplace inequality that, hopefully, may change soon.
Nowadays, with more women's rights movements, the wage gap is closing little by little. The world is on the right track, and it must keep fighting. Making individual changes at a company level could go a long way toward achieving equal pay.
Painting a happy selfie for our followers
Have you ever cried but then posted a happy selfie on social media? Usually, we put on this mask to show the world how happy we are, even though we may be going through a difficult time.
Nevertheless, we should never try to put on a happy face if we are going through a tough time. No one needs to justify feeling emotions; it is a natural part of being human. And keep in mind that it is okay not to be okay.
How do we give our brain a vacation?
Sometimes, only two to four extra days of rest can make a huge difference in our brain's health. Allowing ourselves to disconnect and let go of our regular responsibilities for a short period can be extremely rejuvenating. This brief break is like a vacation for our brains.
Feeling exhausted after a semester of school, studying, and finals is completely normal. After all, our brain deserves a little break. And that is probably why they give a month off between school semesters.
Lady Liberty is under a lot of stress
Lady Liberty was feeling a bit ill, so she decided to go to see the doctor. She told him that she has been under a lot of pressure and stress recently, given that she has been dealing with many problems.
The doctor advised her to work in order to solve her problems more calmly. Well, Lady Liberty has to try to reduce the amount of stress in her life, or else it will be too much for her health to bear.
Being a burger is not that bad, but do not forget to eat a salad from time to time
In a literal sense, we can all agree that we are what we eat. Food nutrients form the structure, function, and wholeness of every cell in our body, from our skin and hair to our muscles, bones, digestive, and immune systems.
People become what they eat, so everyone should be more conscious of what they put into their bodies. And, well, we could say that being a burger is not so bad. Burgers are delicious, but a salad from time to time might be a good way to balance them out.
Some cereals are loaded with sugar
Everybody likes starting their day with a bowl of licorice and candy. Well, some cereals are incredibly high in sugar and should be avoided on a regular basis. Breakfast cereals are often thought to be a healthy choice for both children and adults.
However, many varieties are incredibly processed and high in refined grains and added sugar. Remember that excessive added sugar consumption may contribute to a number of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, type two diabetes, and liver problems.
Likes are the newest anti-depressant on the market
Did you know that likes on social media function as anti-depressants? Dr. Phil Good, who works at Facebook Pharmaceuticals, prescribes them. They are prescribed for people to take daily because sometimes, social media controls and destroys our lives.
Scientists have now demonstrated that social media activates the reward center in our brain, in other words, the pleasure center. And when we see a large number of likes, our brain produces a large amount of the hormone dopamine.
These controlling parents got upgraded to first-class backpack seats
Have you ever heard of parents planning their child's entire life for them? Well, in this perfectly accurate illustration, these helicopter parents were upgraded to controlling everything from first-class backpack seats.
Children should keep their options open because the world is full of possibilities, and it is a lot to ask of a kid who should be able to explore all of their options and choose for themselves.
This happiness kit has (almost) everything you need
The happiness kit is a fantastic deal that includes numerous features. Just to name a few items, there are video games, travel luggage, music, credit cards, and internet access. It has everything you need, from health to employment to love.
However, a real smile and true happiness are sold separately. In any case, remember that to be happy we should always make time for people who are important to us, look after each other and try to make others happy.
There is nothing worse than having to take the subway when it is packed to capacity
Did you know that the advantages of a subway system extend beyond reducing traffic congestion and shortening travel times in urban areas? Having an efficient subway system in our state is also critical to the people's economic and social well-being.
But some say that there is nothing worse than taking the subway when it is completely full. It is like being encased in a sardine can. It is especially bad in the summer when everyone is hot and sweaty.
Sometimes, the cars are moving so slowly that it seems like a turtle could go faster
Transportation is central to some of the world's most pressing issues. Emissions from the United States road-based transportation system are a significant source of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. At the same time, cities are becoming increasingly congested.
Have you ever been stuck in traffic and felt like the cars were moving so slowly that a turtle could go faster? We might want to pick up the vehicles and move them out of our way at times, which would be possible if they were massive turtles.
This newborn looks happy with their toys, but are they safe?
Those guns make an interesting nursery decoration. And if you look closer, you will see that one of them is even grinning! Does putting a smile and a face on a weapon make it a toy for children?
Well, this baby looks pretty happy with their toys, but are they safe? Do their parents have to check that toys are safe before this kid plays with them? Guns, even though they are made of plastic, are not suitable toys for children.
"Workforce at your disposal, use them until they are burnout"
A safe and healthy workplace not only protects employees from injury and illness but can also reduce injury and illness costs, absenteeism, and turnover, increase productivity and boost employee morale. In other words, safety is beneficial to business.
Furthermore, protecting workers is always the right thing to do. In this illustration, Holcroft depicts a few workers waiting to be burnt out, probably as a metaphor for this state of exhaustion, physical and emotional, that workers usually feel at their jobs.
With any contract, we should make sure that we understand every part of it
When signing a contract, we need to make we that we read all of the terms and conditions to understand what rights we have and do not have as an employee. In other words, we should ensure that we understand every detail.
So, unless it is the App Store terms and conditions that everyone claims to have read, but no one has actually read them, we should always take our time before signing any legal agreement.
Treating women like pieces of meat is inexcusable
Men tend to treat women the way they see other men, most notably their fathers, treat women. So, if their father treats their mother or stepmother as if she is someone to disrespect, their children will grow up believing that it is the proper way to treat a woman.
To avoid this, raising a child properly entails both partners respecting each other, and the child should grow up knowing that is how he should treat his future significant other. And remember, treating women like pieces of meat is never acceptable.
Our cellphones have everything we need
Nowadays, our mobile phones enable instant communication with friends, family, coworkers, and the vast majority of the world's population. And unlike previous communication devices, they are always available to the caller and can be used anywhere there is a signal.
So, our smartphones can function as maps, compasses, calculators, and cameras. We have everything we need right in our hands. And since smartphones have so many features, and new features are constantly added, other devices are becoming obsolete.
Love should never hurt
Loving someone can be hard because we never know if the person is the one or if they will break our hearts. In a bad relationship, taking the next step can feel like a trap since opening our hearts to love makes us vulnerable.
Most of the time, a healthy relationship requires dealing with potential problems, but love should never, ever hurt. Love should make us walk around with a smile on our faces rather than tears in our eyes. Remember that.
If we drink enough, everyone starts to look attractive
Do you know what "beer goggles are"? They are what we see when we go to a bar and people start to look more attractive after a few drinks. And now that there is a beer mirror, those beer goggles are becoming even more prominent.
In theory, everyone becomes 50% more attractive when someone drinks enough. However, the issue arises when the goggles are removed, and we realize that the person we were conversing with is not who we thought they were. Have you ever experienced that?
Most things in life cost money, so the piggy bank is our life source
Money jars became known as "pygg pots" over time. When the English language evolved to pronounce "pygg" as "pig," a play on words was born. People began requesting that English potters shape their money jars into pig shapes, and thus the modern piggy bank was born.
Nowadays, everybody knows that things in life cost money, and it can seem that the piggy bank is our life source, as depicted in this image. We must rely on the bank because it holds our money, and money pays for the necessities of life, right?
Being single has its perks
Some people argue that being single has its advantages. Since it is only for us, we have complete control over what we do in our spare time. Plus, we have complete silence, no one to argue with, and we learn to enjoy our company.
Moreover, if we give ourselves time to be single, we will find that time is a great healer and that we will learn to let go of our past. At the same time, we can travel to new places and try new things.
It can be hard to find someone who is looking away from their phone
Have you ever walked down the street and noticed that everyone else is on their phones or seated in front of their computers? Nowadays, it might be difficult to find someone who is not looking at their phone.
In this modern illustration, Holcroft portrays citizens who seem preoccupied with technology, except those driving or riding their bikes. However, remember that phones can also distract people on their bikes or cars and can be pretty dangerous.
Everyone is replaceable
Some people believe that even the best employees are replaceable. And this might be a sentiment we have heard time and again in the workplace, but it is definitely not the most motivating or inspiring thought. However, it does have some merit.
Someone else who can do the same thing better and faster can appear at any time. And since people are always learning new skills, it can feel like a trap door under the desk, and it can be challenging to keep up with everyone else.
When we sit in one place for too long, it can feel like you have been planted there
Well, it must be difficult for this person to find pants that fit those roots. Jokes aside, when we sit in one place for an extended period of time, it can feel as if we have been planted there.
And although playing video games improves hand-eye coordination, did you know that getting up and moving around is necessary to keep the blood flowing? Moreover, we should do the same during long flights to make sure that we stretch our legs.
Getting our social media's daily fix
Although Tumblr is no longer active, the following illustration by John Holcroft might perfectly apply to any other social media platform where we need to get our daily fix. During our daily routines, we sometimes feel bored and re-open our favorite apps.
And oftentimes, this happens even after we have finished scrolling and closed it. It can even feel like a never-ending cycle at times. So, it might be time to turn off our phones for a little while and go outside.
Some houses seem to be eating up their owner’s money
You might have seen one of those fixer-uppers shows where the house seems to eat up people's money because they did not realize how many issues it had. As soon as one problem is resolved, another emerges.
Some people might even say that kind of house is a bottomless money pit. Every once in a while, a beautiful house or apartment for sale is in terrible condition and needs a lot of work.
Our TVs are getting thinner, but we are getting bigger
Our waistlines grow wider as our television screens become thinner. Well, the thickness of the TV had to go somewhere. And even though the TV has changed and the stomachs have grown larger, the guy has not changed his clothes in many years.
In any case, remember to avoid sedentarism. Long periods of sitting and inactivity have been linked to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and certain types of cancer.
Well, that is a very heavy bar of chocolate
According to research, stepping on the scale daily can help us lose weight, but if we are trying to maintain our current weight, we may want to weigh ourselves less frequently. The key is to avoid becoming fixated on the number on the scale.
When stepping on the scale, remember that the number does not represent your self-worth. However, it is critical to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. It would also be beneficial to avoid holding a chocolate bar while standing on the scale, as this adds extra weight.
Today, getting a hand-written letter is a unique experience
Do you remember when we were younger and ecstatic because someone had sent us an email? It was definitely novel and exciting, whereas letters were outdated. Today's inbox is clogged with spam and uninteresting work emails.
Therefore, receiving a handwritten letter is considered pretty romantic and unusual. People rarely write letters anymore, so receiving one now sounds like a wonderful experience. People no longer write letters because it is time-consuming and we have many faster options.
Here is the recipe for a skillful employee
According to John Holcroft's recipe, two cups of professional skills, one cup of problem-solving skills, half a cup of self-management and IT skills, a pinch of creativity, and a dash of teamwork make up the skilled employee. Take a look.
And after we have combined all of the ingredients, all we have to do is top it with some extras and bake it at 350 degrees for at least 20 years of education. And voilà! We should have a skillful employee!
Literally surfing the web
Throughout this article, we have seen tons of illustrations that perfectly depict today's social issues and what a hugely talented artist John Holcroft truly is. And this next image is a very literal example of that. Check it out.
"If everyone had an ocean across the Internet, everyone would be surfing, surfing the Internet," they say. We are constantly on our phones, either browsing the web or using social media. From work to play, we rely on our phones to keep us afloat in life.