The Tug of Stubbornness: A Comical Look at Human Nature Through Vintage Art

When Stubborn Minds Collide
Let’s face it—we’ve all been there. Locked in a battle of wills over something so small it’s almost laughable in hindsight. That’s exactly what makes this vintage illustration so charming. Titled “Les 3 entêtés” (which translates to “The Three Stubborn Ones”), this artwork captures the timeless—and hilariously frustrating—human tendency to dig in our heels even when no one wins.

At a glance, you see two characters—an older man and woman—locked in a tug-of-war with a long, limp ribbon. What’s funny? There’s no clear prize. No reward. Just pure, unshakable stubbornness on both sides. And if you look closely, you’ll notice a third participant… not immediately obvious, but that’s part of the joke.

The Hidden Genius Behind the Illustration
This isn’t just slapstick humor frozen in ink. The brilliance of this image lies in its subtle commentary on human behavior. Created during a time when illustrations like this often appeared in newspapers or satirical journals, it exaggerates everyday behavior to reflect larger truths.

So, what’s really going on here? Let’s pull back the curtain.

Stubbornness in Action: The Eternal Standoff
The scene itself is deceptively simple. Two elderly villagers stand firm, yanking on opposite ends of a ribbon-like strip with intense expressions of grit and frustration. The tug-of-war has no victor—and yet neither will let go.

We’ve all experienced these moments in real life. Arguing with a sibling over the remote. Digging in during a petty disagreement at work. Refusing to apologize first. It’s not about the object anymore—it’s about the principle. Sound familiar?

Who’s the Real Third Character?
The title says “Three Stubborn Ones”, but only two are clearly shown pulling. So, where’s the third? Here’s the twist: the third stubborn party is the ribbon. Yes, the ribbon itself—a limp, passive object—refuses to resolve the conflict. It just dangles, tangled between two unyielding minds, playing both sides.

Now that’s clever satire.

Why This Still Resonates Today
Despite the vintage style, the core message is surprisingly modern. In a world full of heated debates—online, in politics, at the dinner table—this image is a cheeky reminder of how easily we let pride outweigh logic.

The ribbon could be anything: a disagreement on social media, a parking spot, a misinterpreted message. And instead of letting go, we pull harder. Not because we need the ribbon, but because we refuse to lose.

The Psychology Behind Stubbornness
Let’s talk brains for a second. Why do we act this way?

• Ego protection: Backing down feels like admitting we’re wrong. That hurts our pride.
• Control: Standing firm gives us a sense of control in uncertain situations.
• Fear of vulnerability: Letting go first feels like giving the other person power.

But here’s the kicker—most of the time, we don’t even care about the original issue anymore. We’re just stuck in the act of resisting.

Humor as a Mirror to Humanity
The best art holds up a mirror. And humor? That’s the most disarming mirror of all. It makes us laugh while quietly pointing out the absurdity of our actions. That’s what this illustration does so well.

The exaggerated expressions. The flimsy “rope.” The title that cheekily suggests there are three hard-headed characters. It all works together to make you grin—and then think, “Wait… is that me?”

Lessons from the Ribbon Tug
So, what can we take from this tug-of-war tale?

• Sometimes, it’s okay to let go. Winning isn’t always worth the strain.
• Not every conflict needs a victor. If neither side benefits, what’s the point?
• Take a step back. Ask yourself if you’re still fighting for the issue—or just for the win.

And perhaps most importantly…

• Learn to laugh at yourself. We’re all “entêtés” in our own way.

Conclusion: The Ribbon Between Us All
This vintage cartoon, though simple in style, is rich in meaning. It captures a fundamental truth about human nature: our fierce, and sometimes ridiculous, desire to stand our ground no matter what. Whether it’s over a ribbon, a belief, or a bruised ego, the result is often the same—a standoff that gets us nowhere.

So next time you find yourself in a metaphorical tug-of-war, think of this image. Picture the floppy ribbon, the furrowed brows, and the futility of it all. Then maybe—just maybe—you’ll be the first to let go, smile, and walk away.

And trust me, that makes you the least stubborn one in the room.