Judge, 1919-06-28 · page 2 of 37
Judge — June 28, 1919 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This is not a satirical cartoon but rather a **straight advertisement** from the U.S. Department of Labor, likely from the post-World War I era (the text references "came out of the war"). The ad promotes **increased advertising as economic policy**. It argues that advertising spreads optimism and business confidence, encouraging commercial growth during America's post-war industrial expansion. The Department of Labor is essentially endorsing advertising as patriotic business practice that will ensure "permanent prosperity." There is **no satire or political commentary here**—this is government messaging encouraging American businesses to advertise aggressively. By modern standards, it appears to blur the line between public service announcement and pro-business advocacy, treating advertising itself as a form of national economic stimulus.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ADVERTISE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PPORTUNITY is knocking at every door in America. To-day is beginning another epoch in American industry. America has come out of the war as the overtowering commercial and industrial giant. With an eagerness never known before, her men are turning back to factory, office, and salesroom. The tide of opportunity is in its flood. All around you to-day, farsighted and foresighted men of business are making sure of their share of the harvest. A sure form of business promotion and one that spreads the happy spirit of optimism to all is advertising. Use the economies of advertising for your own benefit. Advertise—increase your advertising. Have it as forceful and productive as the best brains and skill can make it. Let us make our present prosperity permanent by advertising. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ROGER W. BABSON, Director General, Information and Education Service W. B. WILSON, Secretary comicbooks.com