Judge — November 21, 1908 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes post-World War I Europe's hardships. A skeletal, emaciated figure labeled "Europa" (personifying Europe) sits before a "Thanksgiving Day Proclamation," with an empty bowl and meager provisions. The banner reads "Turkey in Europe," likely referencing either Ottoman Turkey or ironic scarcity. The caption "We Be Thankful?" questions whether Europeans can genuinely give thanks given widespread poverty and hunger following the war. The contrast between the celebratory American holiday tradition and Europe's deprivation creates bitter satire. Judge magazine appears criticizing American complacency about European suffering or, alternatively, mocking European nations' inability to recover economically post-WWI despite peace treaties.