Judge — February 26, 1921 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Spell-Binder" This cartoon depicts a social gathering where a man captivates the room's attention. The caption reads: "He's a most brilliant conversationalist. I've seen him receive the undivided attention of a woman facing a mirror. Very well, Billy dear, I'll be the goat. Was the lady blind?" The satire mocks male vanity and conversational prowess. The joke suggests that even a "brilliant conversationalist" cannot distract a woman from looking at herself in a mirror—implying women are vain and self-absorbed. The final exchange (about Billy being "the goat" and whether "the lady" was blind) adds crude humor, suggesting skepticism that any woman would ignore her reflection, even for engaging conversation. This reflects period attitudes about female vanity and shallow social priorities.