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Art is a powerful form of expression, not just of beauty and aesthetic quality, but of ideas and protest as well. Cuban artist Angel Boligán is a master of this, delivering incredibly insightful critiques on the ills of the modern world within the confines of a single, beautifully drawn cartoon.

Boligán, who now lives in Mexico City after being invited to work at El Universal, one of the country's major newspapers, has received countless international awards and worldwide recognition for the way he highlights the rampant consumerism, loneliness, addiction and over-reliance on technology in Western society. "I am a social caricaturist, a graphic chronicler of the era in which we live," he told Bored Panda. "My drawings are usually conceptual, I like to provoke a smile accompanied by some reflection."

In his 38 years of working as a cartoonist Boligán's work has changed graphically, but he sees issues that have been recurrent in his work and are still very much relevant today. "Satire is a whip against these extreme leaders of our days," he explains. "It is a pity that humans do not learn from our history and our mistakes and we are again invaded by extremism, selfishness, blindness and mediocrity."

"The caricature does not kill anyone but it can stir the conscience. Intelligent, committed and honest humor connects with people, and I believe that we are each a very valuable grain of sand in the construction of a better world."

Boligán is inspired by life and society, and is a "hunter of ideas, emotions and the absurdities that are happening between us." He takes slices of humor, graphics, metaphors and a little poetry, and serves them up in ink with a touch of watercolor. And while he is happy in Mexico, Cuba is most definitely in his heart. "Of Cuba it is true, I left," he told us. "But I never abandoned!"

We here at Bored Panda have compiled a list of our favorite examples of Boligán's work, cartoons that will make you stop, think and perhaps realize the absurdity of our selfish and wasteful capitalist culture, which is slowly killing our relationships, our mental health and the planet we all call home.

Scroll down to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

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    #4

    Life's Labyrinth

    Life's Labyrinth

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    #5

    Playing Outside

    Playing Outside

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    #6

    Friendship Request

    Friendship Request

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    athornedrose
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i have never met a pet owner that cared more about tech than their pet. ever.

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    #9

    Genders

    Genders

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is really sad. I don't say that EVERY man thinks he is better than women. I know many men who are really reasonable and supporting. But it is true that even really smart and understanding ones sometimes find it hard to accept that a woman (especially young or attractive) can be as intelligent as them.

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    #10

    Job Interview

    Job Interview

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    A B C
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now come on, that one's a bit unrealistic... [...] have you seen her neck? Nobody has such a neck!

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    #11

    Family Portrait With A Macho

    Family Portrait With A Macho

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    Turnip and a Frog
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one’s is so true. Feeding on devotion, care and life force of the other. Wearing a mask of a “real man”, protective and strong on the outside, but just a simple bully to his family. Very clever representation.

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    #13

    The Sweetest Kiss

    The Sweetest Kiss

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This doesn't fit the title. This illustration is really heartwarming, it shows rather the good side of society than bad. Also, maybe it's just me but I really like to look at elder couples - these people are often so in love in each other, even after so many years...

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    #14

    Neighbours And Borders

    Neighbours And Borders

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    Katie and Jared Coates
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like this one. Basically all the resources come from one side while the other gets exclusively the profit. (And the s**t, but I still haven't got that metaphor!)

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    #16

    Love And Generations

    Love And Generations

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    diane a
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a genuine real-life "like" is worth any number of imaginary "likes" by strangers

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    #17

    Parenting

    Parenting

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    Jaguarundi
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Conveys the emotion as intended, as all art should evoke an emotional response. Beautiful and touching. I love this.

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    #18

    Grandfather

    Grandfather

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    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a good idea to befriend people who are at least a generation older than you are. I lived with my grandmother for a number of years, and she was a walking history lesson.

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    #19

    Divorce

    Divorce

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    Pineapple Queen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @THE ULTIMATE PUGTATO >_< My parents divorced when I was only 5, too young to understand and too old to forget. Obviously it hurt, and still does, and I cried many tears, but I will always say I am happy they got divorced. By saying they should have stayed together to spare your feeling is cruel and selfish. If you care more about your own happiness then the happiness of people who love and do everything for you, then you need to rethink your values.

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    #20

    Abortion, Women And Politics

    Abortion, Women And Politics

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    Christina Sersif
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a woman does with her body is her business and her business only. If we have the baby we don't want we're shamed for being a welfare rat. If we have an abortion we're shamed for being a baby killer. If we say no to sex we're a stuck up prude. Nothing we do is right.

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    #23

    Justice Taken Into Their Own Hands

    Justice Taken Into Their Own Hands

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    diane a
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Little good has ever been done by carrying a gun - other than shooting the bad guy who also has a gun. Take guns out of the equation Trump - dont just suggest teachers carry them or that there need to be armed guards at religious services just in case a nutcase who has LEGALLY bought weapons decides to use them

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    #25

    Shepherd

    Shepherd

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    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't have a Facebook account, and I never will. The drawbacks and risks far outweigh the advantages.

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    #27

    Alleged Offenders

    Alleged Offenders

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    athornedrose
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why alleged? there's proof of actual abuse. just cause it's not all of them, doesnt make it untrue.

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    #28

    Walls And Liberties

    Walls And Liberties

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    Bastien Mahoux
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Funny, I saw this more like a mortgage that anchor you at one place and does not allow you to go live wherever you want.

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    #32

    Migrant's Destination

    Migrant's Destination

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    Jilltdcatlady
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Le Petit Prince" he tried to find a better world, and found his own land was still better than others.

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    #35

    Soul

    Soul

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    #36

    Migrant Family Portrait

    Migrant Family Portrait

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    #37

    Duel In The Hospital

    Duel In The Hospital

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    Philoslothical
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can see the patient's hand pressing the doctor's, trying to make Death win. He doesn't want his life prolonged.

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    #38

    Modern Times

    Modern Times

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    rola
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Before smart phones and tablets, couples would read books in bed and not interact. So this is nonsense

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    #40

    Socialism / Capitalism

    Socialism / Capitalism

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    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is plenty of room between the two extremes. Capitalism/libertarianism is too little government regulation, Communism is too much.

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    #41

    Displaced By The Gods

    Displaced By The Gods

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    #42

    Bilateral Relationship

    Bilateral Relationship

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    #43

    Anti-Corruption Spray

    Anti-Corruption Spray

    Angel Boligán Report

    #44

    Internet

    Internet

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't see why is it wrong. Ok, we DO search informations in internet rather than in books, but - internet is less expensive and gives more data. It's not like people are reading less, they just use another sources. Also, people still love books, they just buy belles-lettres and fiction rather than textbooks and encyclopedies, that's all.

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    #46

    Republican Inspection

    Republican Inspection

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    #47

    Excellency Prize At 18th World Press Freedom International Editorial Cartoon Competition

    Excellency Prize At 18th World Press Freedom International Editorial Cartoon Competition

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    Helen Leeds
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the press shining a light on guns, but bringing violence on themselves in doing so.

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    #48

    Blacksmith

    Blacksmith

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    Jaded Queen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's really nice. Ppl should have this. Iron will!!! I wish this could be done in real life. Things will be so easier.

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    #49

    Masculine Conflict

    Masculine Conflict

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    Jaded Queen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually the symbol used is the one for the female. The male symbol is different.(at least where I am from)

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    #50

    Institutional Blindness

    Institutional Blindness

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    Jordy Star
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and those they do "see" are black men who are innocently slaughtered in the street like dogs

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    #51

    Tv Abuse

    Tv Abuse

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    TheBlackPanda
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tv is a waste of time. You have to see a lot of irrelevant things before they show you a altered fraction the truth

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    #52

    Reading Lesson

    Reading Lesson

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    #54

    Vegetarian

    Vegetarian

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    Jaded Queen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So being vegetarian kills animals and is wrong but being non- vegetarian is what Exactly. I am a veg but I don't go around telling other ppl how non-veg is bad for them(believe me I can, I have the authority). Who gives someone the right to question someone else's choice?

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    #55

    Access To Politics

    Access To Politics

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    Turnip and a Frog
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love it. Such a simple trick, the high heels at the bottom of the stairs and it speaks so loud and moving.

    #56

    Power And Censorhip

    Power And Censorhip

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    #58

    Easy Meal

    Easy Meal

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    Petra Christovová
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, we mostly do not have to hunt or trace animals to eat them .. we just go to store.

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    #59

    Souvenir

    Souvenir

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    Jerry Lim
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone is wearing and using the cross as a symbol of their faith for Jesus Christ. But in fact, they have it so to show that they have "faith". The cross is only an idol that everyone worships to and God forbids that. Furthermore, if Jesus was crucified on an electric chair for example. I guess everyone would hold an electric chair?

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    #60

    Freedom Of Speech

    Freedom Of Speech

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    Deividas Aš
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The problem with freedom os speech is called "political correctness". You cannot say things that are true but are not comfortable. So why then freedom of speech is needed?

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    #61

    Neoliberal Government

    Neoliberal Government

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    #62

    Food For Kids

    Food For Kids

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    diane a
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sad - that kids cannot imagine a world without mobile phones or the internet

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    #64

    The Land Belongs To Those Who Labour It

    The Land Belongs To Those Who Labour It

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    #67

    Consumed Consumer

    Consumed Consumer

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    #68

    The Best Mirror

    The Best Mirror

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    #70

    Party-Liner Media

    Party-Liner Media

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    #71

    Conceiving Day

    Conceiving Day

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    Jilltdcatlady
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Life begins at conception" - Pro-Life. "Life begins when fetus can live outside womb"- Pro-Choice. "Don't provide birth control, or abortion, complain about how many poverty level families are relying on welfare, food stamps, HUD, free clinics, etc." - Politics.

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    #72

    Roots

    Roots

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    #73

    When Parents Have An Argument

    When Parents Have An Argument

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... it isn't really compatible with his picture about divorce... So, it is bad when parents are arguing but for God sake, don't let them divorce? That doesn't make sense. :/

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    #74

    Readjustment

    Readjustment

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    Mohana Priyaa
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #75

    The One In Charge

    The One In Charge

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    #77

    Internet And Copyright

    Internet And Copyright

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    #78

    Official Information

    Official Information

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    Amanda Raynes
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fyi there are both glasses and contacts that are "smart" and can do augmented reality... Hard pass for me

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    #79

    Campaign

    Campaign

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    Jerry Lim
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Biblically speaking, we are all sheeps. But instead of being led by the true prophet, we are being led astray by the false prophets whom are the ones that only long for what is in this world.

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    #80

    Migrant's Home

    Migrant's Home

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    #81

    Jesus Christ Nowadays

    Jesus Christ Nowadays

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    #82

    Induced Bribery

    Induced Bribery

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    #83

    No Like

    No Like

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This also doesn't show what is WRONG with society - it just shows how life works. You're not obliged to return someone's feelings. It looks like this woman is honest with him, so everything's ok.

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    #84

    The Risk Of Freedom

    The Risk Of Freedom

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    #85

    Plastic Surgery

    Plastic Surgery

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another one that is rather annoying. I'm not saying that havig too many plastic surgery is a good thing. But if it is one or two and if it improves someone's self-confidence? Why not. Some people hate their bodies - they do not do surgery to please others just to please themselves. After surgery, sometimes they are happier, they have better life. Interference with your own body is not a bad thing, it's just one of the choices you can make. :(

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    #86

    Smarter Phone

    Smarter Phone

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    #87

    Nomophobia

    Nomophobia

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    #88

    Casting

    Casting

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not like ONLY women are doing this. -.- Men are just as just as demanding as women, sometimes even more. But, of course, it is women who are materialistic and heartless. I really hate this.

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    #89

    Where's The Love?

    Where's The Love?

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    Enuya
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not everyone needs a permanent relationship. As long as both sides are happy, I really do not understand what the problem is.

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    #90

    Platform For Politicians

    Platform For Politicians

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    #91

    Lumberjack Of Income

    Lumberjack Of Income

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    #92

    Giving Shape To Thoughts

    Giving Shape To Thoughts

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    Jerry Lim
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Instead of following what is in your mind, people are controlled by what they see (that is the contents fed into the news feed on Facebook).

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    #94

    Online Campaign

    Online Campaign

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    #95

    That Gentleman Bought You A Drink

    That Gentleman Bought You A Drink

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    #96

    Stroll

    Stroll

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    Lorenz Pacis
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't see the thought provoking symbolism here. "Oh no! The street is covered in bacteria! WHO KNEW? Looks like we gotta take our shoes off when we enter the house!" Can someone explain?

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    #97

    Easter In A Hurry

    Easter In A Hurry

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    #98

    Game

    Game

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    Helen Leeds
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems pretty accurate based on the kids around my neighborhood and my nieces

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    #99

    Mona Bipolar

    Mona Bipolar

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    #100

    Isolation Age

    Isolation Age

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    #101

    Surveys Á La Carte

    Surveys Á La Carte

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