Nonconformist Removed by the State. Satyr / Pan Mythology

This cartoon by Charles Addams is generations ahead of its time.

To get the punch line, you need to know the meaning of a Satyr or Pan.

Satyr: Part man and part beast. - A male nature spirit with ears and a tail resembling those of a horse, as well as a permanent, exaggerated permanent erection. Early artistic representations sometimes include horse-like legs; Satyrs were characterized by their vulgar, indecent ribaldry, and were rowdy lovers of wine, music, dancing, and women. They inhabited remote locales, such as woodlands, and they often attempted to seduce or rape nymphs and mortal women alike.

It's prudish 1950s America, where TV programs show husband and wife sleeping in separate beds. The discussion and representation of sex was repressed. To make a bold statement about censorship and the uncompromising moral climate of the time, Addams uses a reference from the mythical world to make a statement about the real world. In doing so, he anticipates the sexual revolution of the late 1960s and 1970s.

The satyr/pan symbolizes nonconformistism. He has his own earthy customs, attitudes, and ideas. Because of that is being handcuffed and formally taken away by the state whose goal is to repress natural erotic fun and frolic that is ubiquitous in todays society.
A proper and perfectly pressed Park Ranger cleans out a lustful undesirable from pristine woodlands. With startled expressions, a vulnerable family of correct women witness the event as they are about to have a picnic. The Satyr grasps his Pipes of Pan just over his crotch. The background is populated by phallic symbols. This is one a the rare instances where Addams address the issue of sex. The Ranger is a dead ringer as a self portrait of Addams.

This drawing first appeared on page 76 of the June 1958 issue of Holiday magazine. It was subsequently published on page 28 of Black Maria an Addams compilation book published by Simon & Schuster in 1960. We are indebted to H. Kevin Miserocchi of the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation for this information.

Please note: This drawing was initially not identified as to the location of first publication. As now stated, it appeared on page 76 of the June 1958 issue of Holiday magazine. It was subsequently published on page 28 of Black Maria, an Addams compilation book published by Simon & Schuster in 1960.