Judge, 1920-05-29 · page 12 of 36
Judge — May 29, 1920 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Americanization" by Frances Morrison This satirical piece mocks wealthy Americans' hypocrisy regarding "Americanization." A prominent citizen signs checks for his children's foreign language tuition, his wife's Paris gowns, and an English accent coach—expensive luxuries that emphasize European refinement. When asked to contribute $100 to an "Americanization Committee," he enthusiastically agrees, declaring the need to "Americanize the children of the foreign element" and emphasize "the greatness of America." The satire is sharp: the wealthy man spends thousands making his own family *un*-American (French, Italian, elite European manners) while publicly supporting efforts to strip immigrants of their foreign ways. The cartoon exposes the class hypocrisy of Progressive-era Americanization movements—assimilation was demanded of poor immigrants while the rich openly celebrated European culture as superior.
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eh 1 eee Gue HIE cave man t ghifully heaved a rock at his woman, Glancing tenderly at him and taking this token of af tion in a proper spirit of humility preparing the she set about evening meal He was particularly traculent that evening. ‘The day had les, the agile dliplodocus he had picked to win had limped in lest, and = atetoGs been hot, and besi wie and had wagered « A <1 to his last loin skin. Naturally enough he , of his spleen out on his womar , commenting Surcastically on her a relatives, the obscurity of her iY ancestry and on anything that j came to his primitive mind She stood it all in silence and with patience until he made some particularly cutting remark abo i her favorite sister, Luella. Sud lifted a and advanced aged at this, she n the fire upon him, making no secret of her intention to douse him with the boiling contents. Surprised and alarmed he seized near by a saber-tooth tiger's (which happily had been empticd of the tiger and covered himseli so escaping the hot soup bath Thus we have the first revolt 01 anand the first napkin Modern Labor “You are getting along rather j slowly with that yours, aren't you “The workmen have had hard i luck from the start, The plumber lost his $5,000 ring down the drain pipe, the plasterer has ruined at least a dozen silk shirts, and the new house of | paper-hanger wrecked his limou 4 sine while leaving the job ves rT terday.’ Americanization Ry Freasxces Mowetson T" Prominent Citizen was signing checks “This,” said his faithful secretary . one for $2,000 for a month’s tuition of yeur children in French, Italian and Spanish.” The Prominent Citizen signed “This,” said his faithful secretary, “is a check for $12.500 for your Wife’s Paris gowns.” Phe Prominent Citizen signed “This.” said his faithful secretary $5,000 to Miss Chadwyck-Snob for teaching pur eldest daughter to speak and act like English p Phe Prominent Citizen signed. “This,” stid his faithful secretary, “ for $100 for Americanization Committed “is one for wn ress.” is long drives, “Ah, yes.” observed The Prominent Citizen benignantly We must lose no time in this country in Americanizing the children of the foreign clement Tam glad to Yes. sir We must emphasize the greatness of Amer tribut i his faithful secretary to this Committee.” The New Note You say he’s a fresh air fiend?” Yes; he never wants t if the same record played twice.” Still Untied Well, old man, was your breach of promise suit a success “You bet. It went without a hitch.” comicbooks.com