Prejudices, fifth series

In this sharply observed essay, the author dissects the clash between moral crusades and personal liberty in early twentieth‑century America. By juxtaposing the battles over birth‑control propaganda with the enforcement of Prohibition, he exposes how legislation aimed at protecting the domestic sphere often fuels the very resistance it seeks to quell. The piece blends biting sarcasm with keen social commentary, illustrating how the most respectable citizens become the most vocal opponents when their private lives are scrutinized.

Through vivid examples and a relentless, witty tone, the writer argues that attempts to suppress dissent only amplify its supporters, drawing in defenders of free speech alongside the original cause. Readers are invited to consider the paradoxes of moral regulation, the power of underground movements, and the uneasy balance between public policy and individual autonomy—all presented with the author’s characteristic provocation and intellectual flair.