Judge — July 8, 1916 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration of a chaotic Middle Eastern-themed bazaar or marketplace. The title's punchline mocks the Shriners—members of a fraternal organization known for exotic-themed parades and costumes. The cartoon depicts them "let loose" in an Arabian setting, suggesting wild, unrestrained behavior. The crowded scene shows numerous figures in various costumes and dress, carnival attractions, storefronts with signs, and general pandemonium. The crescent moon overhead reinforces the "Arabian night" setting. The satire appears to ridicule both the Shriners' theatrical pageantry and, implicitly, orientalist fantasy—depicting the scene as absurd spectacle rather than authentic culture. The specific historical context and which Shriner event this references remains unclear without additional documentation.