Judge — October 20, 1917 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *Judge* depicts soldiers or military figures tangled in massive coils of chewing gum on a battlefield. The title "The Latest Thing in Obstacles" sarcastically presents chewing gum as a new form of military impediment. The cartoon appears to mock either: - The unexpected practical hazards of chewing gum on the battlefield, or - A commentary on frivolous American consumer culture interfering with serious military matters The bright sun radiating overhead and the chaotic entanglement suggest the absurdity of the scenario. Without a specific date or clear identification of the soldiers' uniforms, the exact historical conflict referenced remains unclear, though the style suggests early-to-mid 20th century. The satire likely critiques American industrial/consumer products or troop readiness.