Judge — August 5, 1922 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis The caption reads "TECHNIQUE" and references "Smith Boy to Officer—Say, would a sewer rather mind if I spit in his mouth? The Officer—Sh, be notice the difference in the touch!" This appears to be a satirical cartoon mocking police conduct or brutality. The joke seems to hinge on the contrast between a crude action (spitting) and what the officer calls "technique"—suggesting the officer is experienced at committing such acts and wouldn't notice the difference. The satire critiques police violence or misconduct, implying that officers habitually engage in such behavior that minor variations wouldn't register as abnormal to them. The sketch style and Judge magazine context indicate this is early 20th-century American social commentary, likely targeting corrupt or abusive law enforcement practices.