Judge — February 20, 1892 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts someone obsessed with obtaining free admission passes to entertainment venues. The central figure appears to be a scheming individual surrounded by various theatrical and entertainment establishments—likely theaters, concert halls, or similar venues visible in the illustrations. The satire targets the social practice of using connections or manipulation to gain complimentary access ("deadhead passes") rather than paying admission. The cartoon portrays this behavior as compulsive and ridiculous, with the figure eagerly pursuing free entry across multiple venues. This reflects late 19th/early 20th-century social criticism about parasitic behavior among people seeking unearned privileges through networking or deception—a form of freeloading considered both amusing and contemptible by *Judge* magazine's readership.