Judge — April 13, 1918 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon by Gluyas Williams depicts a multi-panel sequence showing a German-American character (Herr Bierwurst) engaging in domestic activities across different rooms of his home. The caption states: "It is real German Frightfulness that impels Herr Bierwurst to play the Star-Spangled Banner when his neighbors are least prepared to rise." The satire targets German-Americans during what appears to be WWI-era tensions. The cartoon mocks Herr Bierwurst for ostentatiously displaying American patriotism (playing the national anthem) in awkward moments—catching neighbors in embarrassing private situations where they cannot properly stand and salute. This ridicules performative or aggressive patriotism as a way for German-Americans to prove their loyalty, while simultaneously portraying German culture as inherently uncomfortable or inappropriate.