Judge — February 23, 1924 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration by James Montgomery Flagg depicts wealthy American men engaged in leisure activities—specifically playing chess and socializing in what appears to be an exclusive club setting. The title "The Go-getters" is ironic: these men, despite the term's association with ambitious, hard-working individuals, are lounging passively indoors. The satire likely critiques American business culture and the leisure class of the early 20th century. "Go-getters" was contemporary slang for aggressive entrepreneurs, making the contrast between the stereotype and these idle clubmen the joke. The ornate surroundings and formal dress underscore their wealth and exclusivity. The cartoon mocks either the pretensions of wealthy Americans or the gap between their self-image as dynamic "go-getters" and their actual comfortable, sedentary reality.