Judge, 1903-07-04 · page 16 of 16
Judge — July 4, 1903 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
These two cartoons satirize Irish-American stereotypes common in early 1900s American humor. **Top cartoon:** "A Question of Choice" plays on Irish drinking culture. When asked about breakfast cereal, the character responds with a crude joke equating "crushed corn or shredded rye in a thoroughly distilled form"—meaning whiskey—with breakfast. The humor relies on the stereotype that Irish immigrants preferred alcohol to wholesome food. **Bottom cartoon:** "What It Amounted To" uses Irish dialect and names (Pat, Riley, Casey) to mock Irish character. The joke's premise: Riley claims to be dead, then "proves" it by saying Pat wouldn't dare call him a liar if alive—implying dead people are honest. It's absurdist humor built on ethnic caricature and exaggerated Irish speech patterns. Both cartoons reflect widespread early-20th-century American prejudice against Irish immigrants through dialect mockery and vice-based stereotyping.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A QUESTION OF CHOICE. Hoopoorn McMirr—'* W'ot is yer favorite breakfast cereal?” Warerep Gatvin—" Oh, a little crushed corn or shredded rye in a thoroughly distilled form COPYRIGHT 1303 BY JUDGE COMPANY OF NEW YORK. ‘Sackett Witbelns Litho & Po (o New Yor. WHAT IT AMOUNTED TO. Casey (after Riley has fallen five stories)—"" Are yez dead, Pat?” Rivey—" Ol am.” Casty—" Shure, yer such a llar Ol don't know whither to belave yez or not.” Rivey—"" Shure, thot proves Oi'm dead. Ye wudn't dare call mea liar if Ol wor aloive!” comicbooks.com