Panel # 1

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The Tootsie Roll of Honor is an insight into the changes in social mores and expectations. These one-panel morality plays show how uniting society was a national war strategy during World War II, partnering industry and government. Advertising candy became an opportunity to instill values. Teaching ingenuity, patriotism, and a can-do attitude, and tying a product to those qualities, was part of the sales pitch.

In an amazing partnering resulting from the war effort, Uncle Sam returns a favor in this strip, pitching the health benefits of dextrose, common sugar. With today's perspective, it seems amazing to see a government symbol endorse candy at all, and particularly a specific brand of candy. In panel 5, the symbol of the U.S. Government proudly endorses Tootsie Rolls in return for a pitch selling war stamps to fund the war effort.