Judge — July 21, 1917 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts various figures—apparently politicians and public figures of the Judge magazine era—energetically swatting at flies with tennis rackets and similar implements. The subtitle "Everybody's doing it" suggests this was a timely reference to a popular cultural trend or phrase. The "pests" being swatted likely refer to social or political problems the cartoonist wanted ridiculed. The figures' varied costumes (including what appears to be military dress and formal attire) suggest different sectors of society or government supposedly addressing these issues. The cartoon's humor lies in depicting pest control as a widespread, fashionable activity—mocking either the ineffectiveness of efforts to solve certain problems or the superficial nature of public concern about them. Without knowing the specific publication date, precise identifications remain unclear.