Judge — April 7, 1923 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This cartoon presents a joke about Scottish drinking capacity. Two well-dressed men in formal attire—one standing, one seated—discuss whisky consumption. The standing man asks, "How much whisky is it possible for a Scotchman to drink?" The seated man replies, "That's easy! Any given quantity." The satire plays on a common stereotype about Scottish people and alcohol consumption, particularly whisky. The joke's premise is that a Scotsman has an unlimited capacity to drink whisky—whatever amount is offered, he'll drink it. This relies on ethnic stereotyping common in early-to-mid 20th century American humor magazines like *Judge*. The formal setting and dress contrast humorously with the crude subject matter, typical of the magazine's satirical approach.