The image shows a close-up of an ax head with a sticker or a logo on it that reads "DO IT." The ax appears to be new with a shiny metallic blade and a dark handle. It's held by someone, with the background revealing what looks to be a retail environment, possibly a hardware store, as indicated by the shelving and other items faintly visible in the distance.
At first glance, the ax itself seems unremarkable—it's a common tool found in many hardware stores, used for chopping wood or other cutting tasks. However, the humor in the image arises from the juxtaposition of the motivational phrase "DO IT" with a potentially dangerous object like an ax. It's a play on the sorts of motivational slogans found on sports gear or gym walls, urging people to take action and push their limits.
Why might this be funny? Axes are traditionally associated with hard labor or, in more dramatic contexts, violence. The exhortation "DO IT" then takes on a comically ominous tone when paired with such an implement. It implies a kind of encouragement or goading that is wildly inappropriate for a tool that should be used with caution and respect for its potential to cause harm.
This incongruity between the motivational message and the function of the ax creates a kind of situational irony. In most contexts, "DO IT" would be harmless encouragement, but here it seems to suggest a reckless or dangerous use of the ax, which is amusing in its absurdity. This probably isn't the manufacturer's intent, and the sticker may simply be a misplaced promotional item or a misjudgment in marketing, adding to the comedic effect.
People with a certain sense of humor might find this image particularly hilarious because it plays on dark humor. The idea of an ax, an object that should be handled with care, sporting a "just go for it" attitude can be seen as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the sometimes absurdly aggressive positivity found in motivational messages.
Lastly, the text overlaid on the image "Maybe not the message that should be put on axes" serves as a kind of punchline. It reinforces the humor by acknowledging the dissonance between the message and the medium—a literal interpretation would be quite inappropriate, leading to the image's humorous intent. DO IT