Do not beat the child – this is his development ... (Laptev A. (?)) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a stark visual argument against corporal punishment. The dominant elements are large, bold Cyrillic lettering arranged in a dynamic, asymmetrical layout. Не (No) and Бей (Beat) are positioned on either side of the frame, creating an immediate tension that draws the viewers eye to the central message. The hyphenated phrase “ребёнка-” (the child-) is truncated, suggesting an incomplete or interrupted action.
Below this textual confrontation, a young boy stands in profile, his posture conveying both vulnerability and defiance. He raises one hand in what appears to be a gesture of protest or warning, while the other is partially obscured by the text block. His attire – a collared shirt with a tie – suggests a degree of formality or societal expectation, which contrasts sharply with the implied transgression he represents.
The lower portion of the image contains explanatory text: это задерживает его развитие и портит характер! (This hinders his development and spoils his character!). This statement directly links physical punishment to detrimental psychological consequences, reinforcing the moral imperative conveyed by the initial textual pairing. The use of a straightforward declarative sentence lends authority to this claim.
The color palette is restricted primarily to red and black, contributing to the work’s forceful impact. Red serves as an attention-grabbing device, while black provides visual weight and emphasizes the severity of the subject matter. Horizontal lines are incorporated throughout the design, creating a sense of order amidst the otherwise chaotic arrangement of text and figure.
Subtly, the image implies that the child is not merely experiencing physical discomfort but is actively being denied opportunities for growth and character formation. The boy’s posture suggests an awareness of this injustice, hinting at a potential for resistance or future agency. The work operates as a didactic piece, intended to influence social attitudes toward parenting practices during a period when corporal punishment was more widely accepted. It advocates for a progressive approach to child-rearing that prioritizes psychological well-being over immediate behavioral control.