Judge — February 1, 1919 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, February 1, 1919 This satirical illustration depicts "Holding Up the Male"—a commentary on women's newfound political power following World War I and the imminent passage of women's suffrage (ratified in August 1919). The cartoon shows two women in fashionable dress literally "holding up" or supporting a male aviator figure, likely representing either returning soldiers or male authority generally. The "U.S." marking on his clothing suggests American identity. The satire suggests that women were now propping up or controlling male figures in society. The title plays on "holding up" banks—implying women were "robbing" men of their traditional dominance. This reflects anxieties about changing gender roles during this transitional period for American women's rights.