Judge, 1916-12-16 · page 6 of 28
Judge — December 16, 1916 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several satirical pieces mocking early 20th-century social attitudes: **"Toward Men"** ridicules the Christmas shopping frenzy, depicting women violently competing for merchandise to give as gifts. The joke relies on misogynistic stereotypes—that women are irrational consumers and that wives are aggressive and materialistic. The reference to "good will toward men" from the Christmas benediction is ironic commentary on women's supposed lack of such sentiment. **"The Silver Lining"** offers sardonic life advice: consolation for misfortune through dark humor (artificial lighting instead of sunshine; worry proves intelligence; financial ruin prevents stock anxiety). **"Her Christmas Gift"** describes a boy purchasing a book on boxing rules to give his mother—the humor deriving from the absurdity of gifting a manual on fighting to a woman, and the innocent boy quoting boxing rules about "never strike below the belt." The tone throughout is cynical about gender relations, consumerism, and human nature—typical of Judge's satirical approach during this era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Toward Men 6OYET THEY say ‘Good will toward men,’” said Earle E. Wurme, as he gazed heart palpitatingly upon the furious feminine fanciers cagerly shoving and clawing one another in their mad desire to get tothe counter and pur- chase the knickknacks which they wanted to bestow on some poor mortals for Christmas remembrances. “But, after all, knowing wo- man as I do, I am ready to be convinced that the law holds good and that, were I to remonstrate with my wife—bless my soul, some vi loosened her knocked her —about this good will business, she would hasten to enlighten me as to the ‘toward men’ clause of the benediction.” Optician —What kind of glasses do you want ? Customer—Near-sighted. | married for money. The Silver Lining H*s THE sunshine passed out of your young life? Cheer up. is is an era of excellent artificial lighting. Are you inclined to worry? Good. It is conclusive evidence that you havea brain. Amoebas never worry. as the Boss given you a cross look? Never mind. strabismal stuff is very bad for his : Are you cleaned out? Stone broke? How fortunate! The fluctuations of the stock market cannot harass your nerves. Is the other fellow getting a higher salary than you are? What of it? He has already added more than enough expenses to cover the surplus. Even again.—Elias Lieberman. That Those Dear Girls Madge—L was awfully angry with him. He tried to kiss me. Marjorie—What made him change his mind? Her Christmas Gift ITH a book ring children, Mrs. Hicks her time beguiled, Said the boc Don't slap—no, never—but. when needed, spank the child.” licks heard elders who were sportingly inclined, ic matters and such subjects unrefined. Little Johnny saved his pennies, then he bought a little book, Which with joy on Christmas morning to his mother dear he took. "Twas Queensbury’s rules for fighting, from which eager Johnny spelt Out to her the rule important: ‘Never strike below the belt.” —Lee Shippey THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS