Down with the ugliness on the female line! Boys – stallions squeeze in discipline! V. Mayakovsky (Rotov K.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a striking visual metaphor centered around themes of control and societal expectations regarding gender roles. A colossal hand dominates the scene, its fingers forming a funnel-like enclosure. Within this constricted space, a chaotic assemblage of figures is depicted, seemingly being forced into submission.
To the left, a woman in a red dress stands with a posture suggesting both defiance and resignation. Her gaze is averted, her expression unreadable, yet she appears to be an integral part of the scenes narrative. The vibrant red of her attire contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the figures within the funnel, potentially symbolizing her status as an individual outside the imposed order.
Inside the funnel, a group of male figures are rendered in a caricatured style, their features exaggerated and distorted. They appear to be struggling against the force compressing them, yet their actions seem more performative than genuinely resistant. The depiction suggests a forced display of masculinity, perhaps intended to convey an idea of discipline or control. Several animalistic elements – a fox-like face, canine teeth – are incorporated into these figures, hinting at primal instincts being suppressed.
The text inscribed on the poster reinforces this interpretation. It speaks of eradicating undesirable traits in women and subjecting boys to a rigid disciplinary regime. The language is aggressive and prescriptive, reflecting an ideology that sought to mold individuals according to specific societal norms.
The overall effect is one of oppressive force and manufactured conformity. The artist utilizes exaggerated scale and distorted forms to convey the intensity of the ideological pressure being exerted on both men and women. The funnel itself acts as a powerful symbol of constraint, representing the mechanisms by which individual expression and natural inclinations are suppressed in favor of an imposed ideal. The work is not merely descriptive; its a commentary on the potential for societal control to stifle individuality and distort human nature.