Judge — October 28, 1911 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon by James Montgomery Flagg critiques college education through visual satire. It depicts a well-dressed gentleman interviewing a primitive, ape-like figure labeled as representing "our colleges." The exaggerated contrast suggests that American colleges are producing uneducated or intellectually underdeveloped graduates—or failing to educate students adequately. The caption "WE DON'T BELIEVE IT" appears sarcastic, likely responding to claims about college quality or reform efforts of that era. This reflects early 20th-century debates about higher education's value and effectiveness. The visual language—comparing college output to something barely civilized—was a common satirical trope of the period, though by modern standards the imagery is offensive.