Judge — May 19, 1917 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Rubber Business" - Judge Magazine, May 19, 1917 This satirical cartoon critiques tire/rubber company sales practices during World War I. On the left, a well-dressed woman appears uncertain or skeptical. On the right, five male salesmen surround a large tire marked "GUARANTEED 60,000 SMILES," employing aggressive sales tactics—their exaggerated expressions suggest deceitful manipulation. The cartoon mocks the disconnect between manufacturers' inflated promises and actual product quality. The "60,000 smiles" slogan is presented ironically, implying such guarantees are absurd. The woman's hesitant posture contrasts with the salesmen's aggressive pitch, suggesting consumers were vulnerable to high-pressure tactics and false advertising during this period. This reflects broader wartime concerns about price-gouging and profiteering in essential industries like rubber manufacturing.