Judge, 1921-09-10 · page 35 of 36
Judge — September 10, 1921 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is not a cartoon but an **advertisement for advertisements themselves** — a meta-promotional editorial. It's a full-page argument *selling* readers on the value of reading ads. The piece references **Davy Crockett's** famous motto ("Be sure you're right, then go ahead") to frame advertising as trustworthy guidance for consumers. The implicit argument: ads help you make informed purchasing decisions by providing price transparency, quality assurance, and product information. For modern readers, the notable aspect is the **unironic celebration of advertising as a public service**. The text claims advertisers have "stabilized prices" and that their reputations depend on honest claims—presenting advertising as fundamentally consumer-protective rather than manipulative. This reflects **early-20th-century attitudes** when advertising was still establishing itself as a legitimate institution. The earnest tone and appeals to duty and wisdom suggest advertising industry self-promotion at a time when public skepticism may have been higher. The piece ultimately urges: read advertisements carefully to avoid mistakes and get fair deals.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Be Sure You’re Right” GE DAY CROCKETT used to say: ‘Be sure you’re right, then go ahead.”’ That’s mighty sage advice. It’s a wise shopper who takes it to heart. Glance through the advertisements and in a few minutes you can set yourself right on numerous things you either want to buy now or at some future date. Advertising has stabilized prices. The advertiser names his price—the same for all. You can know that in paying it, you are getting the same deal as the next one. “Be sure you're right.”’ It’s a duty you owe your pocketbook. Advertising has helped to standardize quality. Only the best of wares are spread out for you on these printed pages. The men who advertise here are making publicly certain claims, on the fulfilment of which depends their commercial success. “Be sure you're right.” Advertisements give you news of the latest and best things made, with word as to what they cost and what they will do. They put before your eyes the pick of the country’s market and the selection of the particu- lar kind, shape, size and color that best suits your taste and fits your pocketbook. Buy with your mind made up. Let the advertise- ments guide you away from mistakes. “Be sure you are right.” Read the Advertisements comicbooks.com