Judge — December 1, 1888 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, December 1, 1888 This Thanksgiving-themed political cartoon depicts poor and working-class figures in the rain, gathered around a "Thanksgiving Proclamation" posted on a wall. The caption asks sarcastically, "What Have We to Be Thankful For?" The satire critiques the disconnect between official proclamations celebrating abundance and the actual hardship faced by ordinary Americans. The ragged clothing, rain, and miserable conditions of the figures contrast sharply with any reason for gratitude. This likely reflects economic inequality and labor struggles of the 1880s Gilded Age. The cartoon suggests that while politicians issued celebratory proclamations, working people had little legitimate cause for thanksgiving given their living conditions and lack of prosperity.